Porte closes in on Tour Down Under title

Australian Richie Porte all but guaranteed his maiden victory at the Tour Down Under on Saturday after winning the penultimate stage five to stretch his lead at the top of the overall standings.

The BMC rider triumphed on the 151 kilometre stage from McLaren Vale to the peak of Old Willunga Hill for the fourth year in a row.

A group of four men broke early on but that was whittled down to three with just five kilometres remaining.

Soon after, the climbers took charge with Porte in the mix.

The 31-year-old Tasmania-native then powered away from the field on the climb to the finish line and held on to cross the line alone.

With the win he increased his race lead to 48 seconds over Colombian Esetban Chaves and bar accident on the final day’s 90 kilometre test in downtown Adelaide he should claim overall victory.