© P.Perreve

The first Australian crowned in Paris-Nice, Richie Porte is convinced his victory is the start to bigger things.

How does it feel to win Paris-Nice?

I said it before, I never had a nice experience here other than helping Bradley win last year and to come here and to win it is incredible. It will take time to sink in.
I don't really understand why I was so stressed for the last couple of days because I know this climb like the back of my hand. I've done it many times in training but it's always a bit of pressure to perform when it counts. It's great for me and for the other seven guys to come and win this Paris-Nice.

What does it mean to you?

The history of this race is just incredible and to have my name alongside some of the biggest names in the history of cycling is just incredible for a young man from Tasmania. A week like this doesn't happen often.

How do you see the future?

Very yellow I hope. If it's not me, I'm happy to support my good friends Brad and Chris. I've shown that in a couple of years I can go for Grand Tour. I've not been riding for that long and I'm learning with every race. Team Sky is the best team to do your apprenticeship.  

Could you set your sights on a race in July?

I don't know about July, maybe May next year I'll try and get the pink jersey. I love the Giro. The Tour is the biggest race but Paris-Nice is not such a bad one to win and win two stages.

You only came four seconds short of Bradley Wiggins record last year...

It's not what I expected. Brad's a big champion. It would have been nice to beat him by a second. Maybe next year.