By PETER DOUGLAS
SELBY Olympic cyclist Simon Clarke has stepped up for his country as teammate Richie Porte crashed out of the men’s road race on Sunday.
After Porte’s fifth placing at the recent Tour de France, and a strong start from the team, the Australians were in a solid position before Porte’s crash on a descent in Rio, which resulted in a fractured scapula.
However, it wasn’t all dire news for Clarke, who pushed on in place of Porte to finish in 25th place for the team.
From four Australians, Clarke was the only rider to finish the race.
Teammates Rohan Dennis and Scott Bowden had been doing a good job, but opted to cease riding midway through the race so they could concentrate on upcoming events.
After his Olympics debut, Clarke told news.com.au he had been happy with his ride.
“I’m still really happy with how I rode, I take pride in being a reliable rider and always performing to my best and I think today proved that,” Clarke said.
There is no doubt Clarke would have felt the pain of Porte’s exit, with the pair sharing a unique bond.
Clarke and Porte were penalised after an incident in last year’s Giro d’Italia, during which Porte had picked up a puncture.
Despite being on opposing teams, Clarke offered his own front wheel to Porte, who had been performing well and was approaching the finish line.
Although a gesture of good sportsmanship, the move was deemed to be against the rules.
Clarke’s feat to finish the race was all the more exceptional given he was a last-minute call-up to the Australian team.
He was selected as a replacement to cover for Simon Gerrans, who had broken his collarbone while competing in the Tour de France.
Clarke is the son of Yarra Ranges Shire councillor, Mike Clarke.
