Cycling: Richie Porte penalised for receiving help from an opponent

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May 20th, 2015
Back Cycling: Richie Porte penalised for receiving help from an opponent

Australia's Richie Porte now trails overall leader Alberto Contador by over three minutes in the Giro d'Italia after being penalised for receiving a wheel from a rider from another team. Porte was unlucky to puncture his front tyre just 5km from the finish of Tuesday's stage 10. Fellow Australian Simon Clarke, who rides for team Orica Green Edge, stopped and gave his own front wheel to Porte.

Unfortunately race rules forbid riders from rival teams assisting each other, so both Australians were given a two-minute penalty. Porte is now three minutes and nine seconds behind Contador. Porte and Clarke were also fined 200 Swiss francs each, around 140 pounds. "It is disappointing that a sporting gesture made in the heat of the moment has resulted in such a strong penalty," said Team Sky boss Dave Brailsford. "No-one was trying to gain an unfair advantage. This has strengthened our resolve and determination to fight for this race. Richie and the whole team are ready to take it on and there is a lot of this Giro left."

During the race the official Giro d'Italia Twitter account praised Clarke's actions, accompanying a photo of the wheel change with this message: "This is cycling. This is the best sport in the world." Clarke apologised via Twitter: "Feeling sad for Richie Porte. Tried to help a friend as most would. I'm sorry about the outcome of all this!" Porte thanked Clarke for his help but was later punished by race authorities, dropping from third in the overall classification to 12th.

Porte is now 9.00 at Bet365 to win the Giro d'Italia, Contador is the big favourite at 1.44 while Italy's Fabio Aru is at 3.25.

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