Andrew Nikolic (Bass, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In the early hours of this morning, Launceston's Richie Porte won the Paris-Nice cycling race, often referred to as the race to the sun. In doing so, he has added yet another chapter to Tasmania's proud cycling history. It is Richie's second victory in this race, having also won it in 2013.

What a victory it was! In the penultimate stage a day earlier, Richie had fallen twice in wet, slippery conditions, but got back on his bike to give himself a chance in the last stage: an individual race against the clock. Going into the 9.5 kilometre time trial he trailed the leader by a whopping 36 seconds, but dug deep in wet and windy conditions from Nice to Col d'Eze. Richie Porte is also the Australian time trial champion and he clocked the fastest time trial to claim the title of 2015 Paris-Nice champion.

Now, there are many reasons for Richie's victory: clean Tasmanian air, food and water are chief amongst them; dedication, persistence, motivation and sheer hard work are others. But every Christmas and New Year, Richie returns to Launceston to reconnect with his community. We often see him training. We ride with him along the beautiful cycling routes around Launceston. There is no doubt in my mind that riding with famous bunches like the Coffee Crawlers and Dad's Army in Launceston over Christmas and New Year has sharpened Richie up for the European racing season.

I congratulate Richie Porte for adding yet another chapter to Tasmania's proud cycling history. He is a wonderful ambassador for our state.