Tour de Suisse: Porte Keeps Lead Ahead of TT

Richie Porte (BMC) survived the hectic circuit race on stage 8 of the Tour de Suisse to maintain his overall lead ahead of the final time trial today (Sunday)

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Tour de Suisse: Porte Keeps Lead Ahead of TT

Richie Porte survived the hectic circuit race on stage 8 of the Tour de Suisse to maintain his overall lead ahead of the final time trial on Sunday. The riders did six laps of a 21.5km circuit in Bellinzona and with the stage presenting the last chance for the sprinters, the race was controlled from start to finish.

Four riders went clear in the opening kilometers of the first lap but with a bunch sprint in mind, the peloton kept the breakaway within two minutes in the first three laps. With multiple teams looking for the stage win, BMC Racing Team made the most of the first time all week when the team hasn’t had to lead the chase, instead sitting slightly back in the peloton around Porte.

The sprinters’ teams brought the breakaway back to 30 seconds as the bell rang to signal the last lap before almost making the catch with 10km to go. A blistering pace saw the peloton strung out in single file but with the help of Greg Van Avermaet and Stefan Küng, Porte was well positioned near the front of the group. The two remaining breakaway riders were caught in the final few kilometers while the sprinters battled for position under the flamme rouge.

Arnaud Demare (Groupama FDJ) sprinted to the stage win and Porte, thanks to his solid positioning, was able to sprint to 12th place. Porte will be the last rider to roll down the start ramp for the 34km individual time trial, starting the day with a 17-second advantage over Nairo Quintana (Movistar Team) and 52 seconds over Wilco Kelderman (Team Sunweb).
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Richie Porte: “That was such a nervous and stressful stage. It looked like today went without any problems but that’s thanks to my fantastic team here. BMC Racing Team has been great all week and today was another impressive display from them to put me in a good position in the hectic finish. It was one of those days where you are just happy to get it over and done with.”

“The race has gone really well so far but it’s not over until it’s over. Nairo Quintana had a fantastic day yesterday and I think he could easily have another good day tomorrow, likewise with Wilco Kelderman. You can’t underestimate either of them so, if I am here tomorrow in the yellow jersey, I will be super happy. I have to be positive though and things have been going well so far so fingers crossed.”

“Stefan is in another league to everyone going into tomorrow. In the team time trial, he made the difference for us. Here’s an incredible engine and he did another fantastic job today. I think he is the big favorite for tomorrow. For me, after having my crash last year, I think I had a good Santos Tour Down Under but the season has not been so super since so to be here and to be time trialling for the win on the last day of the Tour de Suisse is a dream come true.”

Stage 8 Bellinzona > Bellinzona (123.8km)
Top 3: 1. Arnaud Demare (Groupama FDJ), 2. Fernando Gaviria (Quick-Step Floors), 3. Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates).

BMC Racing Team top 3: 12. Richie Porte, 22. Greg Van Avermaet, 60. Stefan Küng

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