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.
‘Silly amounts of money’: Scottsdale pushing for Player Points System changes
Scottsdale is talking with the NTFA to make alterations to the Player Points System, adamant it doesn’t deter Premier League players defecting to lower division clubs offering “silly amounts of money”.
Dale’s ‘hard work paying off’ with Burnie International wildcard
A Hobart teenager’s brilliant recent form has been rewarded with a Burnie International wildcard. And she wants to draw a high seed to get the best experience possible after her junior success.