Greig Leach

Richie Porte (BMC) racing for his new team (and new roll as the protected rider) flew up the mountain followed all the way up by a TV Moto. Both Porte and the camera man were looking for the time clock to see just how fast the Tasmanian was going. Porte was quick, fast enough to claim second place on the day, just four seconds behind the stage winner, Alberto Contador (Tinkoff). By not claiming the lead on the first day of racing, Porte may well be saving his team a lot of effort in defending the Yellow Jersey of race leader. The stage is now set for the opening day of road racing with the favorites all sitting in the top ten slots, with just twenty seconds between them.