The first head-to-head between former team-mates Chris Froome and Richie Porte since last year’s Tour de France had a low-key start.
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The good mates are leading their respective teams at the Tour de Romandie in Switzerland with both happy to emerge from the rain-soaked 4.8-kilometre prologue in Aigle with their race aspirations unharmed.
“After the conditions today, I am just happy that I stayed upright,” Porte said.
“I felt pretty good on the bike considering I’ve had a bit of a gap between races. It was great to get the race started, and I am looking forward to the next few road stages.”
The Launceston rider has his sights set on victory in the country where his BMC team’s title sponsor is based.
He finished the stage 108th, 34 seconds behind Italian winner Fabio Felline (Trek-Segafredo), with Campbell Town’s Will Clarke (Cannondale-Drapac) 57th (+25) and two-time winner Froome (Sky) 78th on +29.
"We end with a time trial that is well-suited to me, and I hope to be up there on every climb as I look towards my big goal this year, the Tour de France," Porte added.