Richie Porte stormed up the Col d’Eze yesterday to win the final stage at the Paris-Nice and wrap up a landmark overall victory.

Porte became the first Australian to win the prestigious stage race as he won the final uphill time trial by 23 seconds, topping the general classification by no less than 55 seconds.

The Tasmanian carried a 32-second lead into the final day but Porte pushed any doubts aside by going a stunning 21 seconds quicker at the intermediate split, holding his effort to replicate Bradley Wiggins’ victory for Team Sky 12 months earlier.

The product of an impressive team performance during the last week, the foundations for victory were laid on stage five as Porte took victory on La Montagne de Lure after the team tore apart the field.

Win based on teamwork

To the surprise of no one, Porte was delighted with his overall win, “I just never thought or believed that I could win Paris-Nice,” he explained. “For me personally I’ve never had a nice experience at this race so it’s a massive monkey off the back to come here and win it.”

Porte was quick to acknowledge the invaluable work delivered by his team throughout the entire race, “I woke up this morning and I knew that I had good legs. After the armchair ride that I got from the team yesterday – as well as on stage five and for the entire week – I knew I’d be in good shape. The guys were just incredible this race.”

Looking ahead, Porte set his sight on bigger stage races than Paris-Nice, naming the 2014 Giro d’Italia as a possible target, “I don’t feel like I’m ready to lead at a Grand Tour yet. My goal is to go to the Tour and support Chris and Brad. Do that and maybe next year I could potentially lead Team Sky at the Giro.”