Team Sky’s Richie Porte has withdrawn from the Giro d’Italia to recuperate and focus on his support of Chris Froome in the Tour de France, which begins on July 4 in Utrecht.
The Australian rider had began the Giro with overall victory as the target, but was forced to withdraw following a crash towards the end of Friday’s 13th stage to Jesolo. Porte injured his knee and hip with the final week ahead.
Porte said on teamsky.com ‘I’m gutted it’s ended this way… The Giro has been my main goal this year and I’ve worked incredibly hard all season with this race in mind.’
Porte was well positioned in fourth place and his withdrawal, along with Rigoberto Uran’s (Etixx-Quick-Step) drop in form, leaves favourite Alberto Contador firmly in the driving seat. The race gets underway again today as it heads for next Sunday’s conclusion in Milan.
