Tasmanian cyclist Will Clarke’s dream of riding a Grand Tour remains on hold after he missed out on Cannondale-Drapac’s squad for next week’s Tour de France.
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Embarking on his third stint in the elite level of cycling, the Campbell Town 32-year-old had said his main goal was to ride in one of Europe’s big three tours.
Clarke missed out on the Giro d’Italia and was also omitted when the team named its Tour de France squad on Tuesday.
The experienced Rigoberto Uran, Andrew Talansky and two-time stage winner Pierre Rolland headlined a team also featuring four debutants. Uran has twice finished second at the Giro while Talansky finished 10th and 11th at the Tour de France in 2013 and 2015.
“We’re going in with two general classification leaders, Andrew and Rigo,” sport director Charly Wegelius said. “But neither of those GC projects will hinder us from going after stage wins.”
Clarke, who has previously ridden with Leopard Trek (2011) and Argos–Shimano (2013) in the WorldTour and was among the riders retained when Drapac stepped up to the level this year, will now be pinning his hopes on selection for the final Grand Tour of the season, the Vuelta a Espana from August 19.
Meanwhile, Cadel Evans has backed compatriot Richie Porte’s attempt to follow his tyre tracks and become the second Australian to win the race.
Evans won the 2011 Tour de France riding for the same BMC team and was delighted to see the 32-year-old Launceston contender supported by some of the same riders.
"I don't think the team has ever looked so solid and I think this year Richie has proven himself again,” Evans told cyclingnews.
“Both Richie and the team around him are looking strong and very solid. I think they have a fantastic opportunity for themselves this July.”
Fifth in Paris last year, Porte’s build-up this season has included winning the Tour Down Under and Tour de Romandie and coming second at the Criterium du Dauphine, which Evans also did before his Tour win.
“I see Richie riding very confidently. As is the team around him,” Evans said.
"Coming second at Dauphine is still a great result, and the lessons learned from Paris-Nice will be important.”
Among the riders supporting Porte’s push for Paris will be Michael Schar and Amael Moinard who played pivotal roles in Evans’ success.
"There aren't many guys around who know how to win a Tour so to have those guys around you is absolutely key.
This year Richie has proven himself again
- Cadel Evans
“Hopefully, for Richie, they are an enormous help for him. They are all good friends of mine, so I always hope that they are there and having the best of success for themselves and the team overall."