Ronchamp (France) (AFP)
The Australian Richie Porte confided savoring the "absolute dream" of his podium on the Tour de France on Saturday after "all the tragedies" on his way, especially in 2017 when he had to abandon the Great Loop after a crash during of the 9th stage which had left him with two fractures.
Q: Is this podium an outcome after years of failure?
A: It is an absolute dream.
I grew up watching the Tour halfway around the world in front of guys like Robbie McEwen, Cadel Evans, Bradley McGee and all those (Australian) riders.
To finally land a podium is an incredible feeling.
It has been a long journey.
Everyone knows what a battle it's been for me and all the drama along the way.
I am on cloud nine.
When, three kilometers from the finish, I was told over the headset + Richie, you are going to offer yourself your dream, + it was such a sweet moment.
Q: Did you think you could overthrow Miguel Angel Lopez?
A: We still have doubts.
He's a great runner.
The two Slovenes are on another planet but it was a great battle between Lopez, Mikel Landa and me.
I was confident to pass him in the time trial even though I had lingering doubts in the back of my mind.
I had a good team around me and they trusted me.
Mads Pedersen was amazing, he probably believed in me more than I did.
Every night he came to my room to tell me to follow his wheel and that everything would be fine.
Q: Is the moment even more special with the birth during the Tour of your daughter, which you missed?
A: When my son was born two years ago it was probably worse since I spent two nights with him and then I had to leave.
This time, when the coronavirus made its appearance and the Tour was postponed, I said to myself + it's all me, with the luck that I have, I'm going to miss the birth +.
But my wife told me to go on the Tour.
The only thing she told me was if she saw me at the back of the pack she would be really pissed off.
Interview at a press conference
© 2020 AFP