Team Saxo Bank’s Richie Porte signed with Team Saxo Bank in the autumn of 2009 and he has entered his first season as a professional taking a stage victory in Tour de Romandie well ahead of the big names of the peloton.

On the rest day, he is second overall in the Giro d’Italia while wearing the white jersey as leader of the young rider classification. For most young riders this situation would cause nervousness but the young Aussie stays calm and sensible:

“Obviously, the first three stages of the Giro have been hectic in every sense of the word. First of all, it has been hectic because of all the crashes and accidents which have caused some of the overall favorites to suffer huge sit-backs. Luckily, I have a strong and loyal team around me to keep me out of trouble and I really appreciate their efforts in the front of the field. Thanks to them, I have been on the podium every day to receive the white jersey – something I never would have dreamed possible in my first season as a professional. Now, my goal is to keep it. I know it’s going to take a lot of hard work and a solid portion of long-lasting luck but I intend to fight for it, just like Andy (Schleck) did a few years back. Tomorrow’s team time trial naturally will be crucial but with a powerful combination of young and experienced riders like Nicki (Sørensen) and Baden (Cooke), I think we have a fair chance of making a good result”, concludes Team Saxo Bank’s Richie Porte.

Tomorrow’s stage is a 32.5 kilometer long team time trial.