The enforced withdrawal of Jakob Fuglsang during the 177km 16^th stage to Nimes continued the Tasmanian's gradual progression up the standings.

Since stage 10, his overall position has climbed from 20^th to 19^th, 15^th, 12^th, 11^th and now 10^th, with his best result a fifth place in the individual time trial around Pau.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

Launceston's 34-year-old Trek-Segafredo team leader has long insisted that the race will not be decided until the "brutal" three stages over the Alps later this week.

"I am happy to just keep chipping away at it," Porte said.

"Guys are cracking. The race is certainly not over.

"The last three mountain stages it's really going to be on. I think Team Ineos is nowhere near as strong as they have been, so it might come down to every man for himself, really.

"The Alps are hard and throw in the altitude - it's going to be a great race."

This year's Tour de France has seen one Tasmanian prediction come to pass.

When 16-year-old Caleb Ewan achieved the rare feat of winning the Launceston and Devonport Wheelrace double in 2010, experienced cycling observers started predicting big things for the New South Wales talent.

When he returned to win the 2013 Launceston Classic with what was to become his trademark sprint finish it was obvious even to the untrained eye that he had a huge future on the road.

Ewan crashed out a year later but only after demonstrating the criterium's pulling power when pictured on the St John Street start line alongside Porte, Matt Goss ands Chris Froome.

Having had to wait patiently for a start in the world's biggest bike race, Ewan has enjoyed six podium finishes this year, including wins on stages 11 and 16.

Less than four months after breaking his leg, Tasmanian cyclist Nathan Earle is eagerly anticipating his return to racing.

The Hobart 31-year-old will contest the Adriatica Ionica race across four stages around the Adriatic Coast in north-eastern Italy.

It begins with a 189-kilometre leg from Venezia to Grado on Thursday and Earle said he has been waiting for that moment since crashing out of the Gran Premio Miguel Indurain in Spain on April 6.

"And just like that I'm back in Europe for round 2 - can't wait," said the Israel Cycling Academy rider.

"Almost four months ago in top form I broke my leg, now in not so top form I'm back but with a strong leg sporting some metal."

Earle, whose 13-year pro career has included stints with Tasmanian-based Praties plus Team Sky, Drapac and UKYO, said he is still experiencing some pain but is delighted to be back racing.

The father-of-one will follow the Italian race with a flight across the Atlantic to contest the Tour of Utah where he is likely to come up against regular Hobart training partner Scott Bowden.

The 24-year-old Rio Olympian's maiden season with Team BridgeLane began with a sixth place at national championships and has since seen him compete in New Zealand, Taiwan, Japan, Hungary and most recently France where he finished 25th overall in the five-stage Tour de Savoie Mont Blanc.

Subscriptions are available here.

Sign up to our Sport email here.

Know a junior sport star? Make a nomination for our 2019 Junior Sports Awards here.