Tasmanian Richie Porte’s former Sky teammate Davide Martinelli a hero in the coronavirus war
A teammate-turned-rival of Tasmanian Tour de France hope Richie Porte has found a way to use his bike and his riding skills in the war on the coronavirus pandemic.
Local sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
THERE are no races to win or champagne to spray, but one of Tasmanian professional cyclist Richie Porte’s former teammates and now a Tour de France rival has scored a moral victory in Italy.
Former Team Sky rider Davide Martinelli has become a hero of his home region of Lombardy in Northern Italy.
The 26-year-old Astana rider, who was on Team Sky with Porte for three years from 2012-14, has been using his bike to help deliver medicine to elderly residents and others in need during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I’ve got a bike and two legs in pretty good form, so riding 10 kilometers a day is no big deal,” Martinelli told local press agencies.
“I wanted to help the people who always support me during the season.
“It’s time to give back to them.”
Martinelli joined a Facebook group called “Lodetto Solidale” – Supporting Lodetto, his local village – where those in need can place their requests online, by phone or message.
Martinelli receives his orders each night and maps out a route for the following day.
“I go to the pharmacy and when I arrive outside I put on gloves and a mask, and then I make my deliveries,” he said.
Martinelli’s father Giuseppe is one of the most successful team directors in cycling, having guided the likes of Marco Pantani and Vincenzo Nibali to Tour de France victories and a handful of riders to Giro d’Italia wins.
The 2020 Tour de France has been postponed three times and is now scheduled for August.
Mayor invites Fagan to Queenstown hero homecoming
A Tasmanian mayor has written to Queenstown legend and Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan inviting him to visit the tiny town with his players and the cup after last week’s grand final glory. Get the details here.
Everything you need to know ahead of the men’s CTPL season
The CTPL men’s first grade season will kick off this weekend. We’ve talked to every coach and have the low down on every club heading into the first game. See the full season preview.