Why Richie Porte is now having the most fun ever on a bike

These days you are more likely to find one of Australia’s greatest road cyclists more in the water.

“I’m a lot more fit in the swimming pool, that’s my thing now. I just love swimming and events like this do make me get back on the bike though.”

That rider is Richie Porte.

And the event is the 2023 AusCycling Gravel National Championships in the North East of Tasmania this weekend part of The Devil’s Cardigan.

“I just remember being in Europe and seeing my friends back here in Tassie doing this cool gravel race in the middle of winter.

“Again, there is a national champs jersey up for grabs but it’s the participation thing which got me a little intrigued about it all. I still like to ride my bike, but I didn’t want the pressure of racing,” Porte said.,

While the winner of six major stage races has many happy memories on the skinny tyres his gravel bike brings him the most joy now.

“Every day on a gravel bike feels like an epic to be honest.”

“I’ve got the most aero, cutting-edge road bike but just love my gravel bike it’s just robust.

“It goes anywhere and is a little bit safer to get off the beaten track. Now that I don’t need to chase numbers cycling, I can go off and get lost. “

“And you do smile. I did the event in Beechworth (Granite Classic) and it was the most fun I’ve had on a bike for many, many years.”

The Launceston local is only now realising just how hard we was on himself as a professional cyclist.

But now there’s chocolate in the fridge, and a beer every now and then.

“Obviously our children take precedence and it’s just a great time in my life to be back here and having a normal life.”

Come Saturday Porte will be one of over 400 riders who will take on either the 106km (2300m elevation) journey for the right to be crowned national champion or the 54km challenger race.

There will be three significant climbs that are part of a scenic course that will test out every rider no matter what your palmares.

“It’s going to put hair on the chest at the end of the day,” said Porte, who finished third at the 2020 Tour de France..

Event information

Photo Credit: kiphotomedia