Tasmanian Richie Porte and triple time trial World Champion Michael Rogers from Canberra have narrowly missed the medals in the men's time trial
Tasmanian Richie Porte and triple time trial World Champion Michael Rogers from Canberra have narrowly missed the medals in the men's time trial at the UCI Road World Championships in Geelong today finishing fourth and fifth respectively.
Switzerland’s Fabian Cancellara rode into the record books becoming the first rider to claim four time trial crowns after he scorched around the 45.6 kilometre course at an average speed of 47 kilometres an hour to finish in a time of 58 minutes 09.19seconds. He was the only rider to post a sub 59 minute ride.
Britain’s David Millar claimed silver in 59minutes 11.94 seconds with Germany's Tony Martin in third place (59minutes 28.19seconds).
At the halfway point Porte was sitting in third place, five seconds faster than Martin who lost time through a front tyre puncture but he came home strongly to be seven seconds faster than Porte at the finish.
Early in the day Rogers put himself in the ‘hot seat’ with the fastest time of the day of 1hour 34.13seconds. But Rogers’ hopes of a medal faded as he watched the final wave of riders hit the various time checks on the course.
“It’s not nice to finish fourth, I am a bit sick of finishing fourth, but it was such a quality field. I am honoured to be so close to a podium,” said Porte, 25, of his World Championships debut.
“I gave it my all, I rode my own race, that’s all you can do. Maybe I went out a little too hard, the second lap I couldn’t get into a rhythm, I was all over the bike, but I have lots of things I can work on, so that’s all right," he explained.
Porte has enjoyed an impressive first year as a professional finishing seventh overall and claiming the Best Young Rider jersey in the Giro d'Italia and earlier this month placing second overall in the Tour of Britain.
“I mean this time last year I was looking for a pro ride and I was given that opportunity, first year pro and I have finished fourth in the world, it’s not such a bad thing, I’ll take it.
“It would have been nice to be on the podium for one of us (Australians), I mean home crowd was more than ten percent, it was incredible to have so many people screaming your name and to have your name written on the roads.
Like Porte, Rogers enjoyed the chance to perform in front of the vocal home crowd.
“I am disappointed I was not on the podium but there were four guys out there better than me,” said Rogers who claimed three consecutive titles from 2003 to 2005.
“But that was a really tough circuit, probably one of the hardest time trials I have ever done and with the calibre of the riders, Richie has had a really good ride, I think fourth and fifth I think we can be proud.
“First and foremost I tried to do everything right and if I did that, I would put myself in a position to win.
“I gave it everything I could and I am certainly happy with my ride as it was only the last four guys that beat me so I can hold my head proud. Certainly a proud moment and something I will remember for a very long time."
Rogers and Cancellara together have now claimed seven of the past eight time trial world championships and the Australian applauded his rival's achievement.
“Fabian was better on the day, in another league really, and without a doubt he has shown that he is the best time triallist in the world,” Rogers said adding, “He is probably one of the greatest in our sport ever.”
Cycling Australia