Richie Porte (Sky) displayed early signs of fine form ahead of the Tour Down Under by finishing third at the Australian road race championships.

With 5km to go Orica-GreenEDGE rider Cameron Meyer instigated an attack that only Porte, Cadel Evans BMC Racing Team and Meyer’s team mate Simon Gerrans could follow as they darted towards the finish line.

Porte repeatedly attempted to distance his rivals in the closing stages, but after Meyer had faded it was his Orica-GreenEdge team-mate Gerrans who emerged victorious after outsprinting Evans and Porte for his second title in the space of three seasons.

Immediately after the race, Porte praised Gerrans on another gutsy performance and admitted he was feeling good ahead of the first stage race of the season.

“Simon kicked like a mule and there wasn’t much we could do except watch. It was quite impressive from where I was sitting and I think the best man won today,” Porte told SBS.

“I wasn’t confident it would come back together but when GreenEdge started to ride and it became clear the break wasn’t going to stay away. There was a little bit of stress but the course this year was much better than it was 12 months ago so hopefully I’ll come back next year and do better. It’d be nice to have finished a little bit further up but I’ve still got time on my side. Maybe Gerro will retire soon (laughs)."

Next up for Porte is the Tour Down Under and his good performance has given Porte a burst of self-confidence.

“It’s a nice way to start 2014. There’s another week to the Tour Down Under so hopefully I’ll be absolutely flying by then.”