Chris Froome’s faithful lieutenant, Aussie ace Riche Porte, was among the star riders of the Tour de France as he steered his team mate to the maillot jaune. Second, behind Froome, on Ax 3 Domaines, Porte only faltered once when he was dropped two stages later. But the Aussie more than made amends with a stunning ride throughout the rest of the Tour, never being far from the front of the leading group on many of the tough climbing stages. His crowning moment was arguably hauling Froome up Alpe d’Huez on his way to sixth, while he finished fifth on the Semnoz on his way to 19th overall.

Prior to the Tour, Porte had also been in stunning form at Froome’s side during the Criterium du Dauphine and Criterium International, finished second overall in both. The Australian also retained his Paris-Nice title courtesy of a victory on La Montagne de Lure and also won a stage at the Tour of the Basque Country on his way to second overall. Having already confirmed he wishes to target the Giro d’Italia next year, 2014 could well bring even more, richly-deserved, personal success too.