Throughout the Tour de France, Australian professional cyclist Richie Porte will be checking in. Here is his latest entry, as told to ESPN contributor Rupert Guinness:Stage 17: Berne to Finhaut-Emosson, SwitzerlandIt was a move I had to make if Im going to earn a place on the podium of the Tour de France.That move was my attack within the last two kilometres of Wednesdays 17th stage. I know Ive been saying I feel Im in good form, but the value of that finish in the first of four stages in the Alps adds weight to it.Not that I havent ridden as well in the Tour before. I have, but in different circumstances, especially when I used to ride for Chris Froome (Sky).But this year its different, coming to BMC from Sky to race for myself. That opportunity is why I left Sky after all. I wanted to see how I can go in the Tour as a protected team leader.Wednesdays 17th stage from Berne to Finhaut-Emosson was a day where in that role, I showed I could climb with the best, despite having done it many times while helping Froome.My move near the finish of the stage wasnt planned - it was instinctive really. I set off wanting to drop everyone and finish the stage alone. But seeing Froome as the rider who got across to me was not such a surprise. He is the Tours overall leader after all, and yes ... he closed that gap between us quite easily.But I have to give it to Froome. While once he joined me in my move he didnt offer a turn, he didnt come over to me at the end either.When I first looked back and saw Froome there on my wheel - and the yellow jersey - he even said, Look mate, we are taking time. He then said: Good job, as encouragement.Looking back, given our past as former teammates - and even currently, as good mates - I can understand why interest in the two of us being off the front. But he is strong. His team is also clearly strong. The race will be interesting from here on in to the finish in Paris.Which all means the next stage is just as important as what Wednesdays stage was.The Tour resumes on Thursday, stage 18 and a time-trial from Sallanches to Megève.Ill get up as usual - at 8.30am. Then it will be breakfast as usual, followed by a final recon of the course, then lunch and some rest - but no napping. I dont nap well.Then it will be time to head back down to the stage start where I will warm-up for another race of truth.We all know a great ride on Thursday will do wonders to help me make best of the final two days in the Alps before the Tour finishes on Sunday with the final and 21st stage into Paris.But likewise, we all know that in a time trial its eventually up to me to produce that ride. Miles Wood Devils Jersey . However, he did make them miss him a little less. Cundiff, who had the unenviable job of replacing Dawson last season, agreed Thursday to a one-year, $1. Custom New Jersey Devils Jerseys .C. -- Manny Malhotra had two goals and an assist, leading the Carolina Hurricanes to a 6-3 win over the Ottawa Senators on Saturday. http://www.devilssale.com/authentic-kyle-palmieri-devils-jersey/ . Coach Tom Thibodeau says the former MVP will probably start travelling with the team in the next few weeks. Rose tore the meniscus in his right knee at Portland in November and was ruled out for the remainder of the season by the Bulls. Pavel Zacha Jersey . Breaking three of his own world records on his way to winning in Paris, Chan silenced the critics and left the audiences standing in appreciation and awe. Cory Schneider Jersey . They reached the 100-point plateau for the fourth time in five games, bested the visiting Trail Blazers by 34 in the paint and scored 19 of the final 25 points in regulation. OXFORD, Ohio -- Michael Weathers scored 19 points; Logan McLane added 17 and Miami (Ohio) beat Western Illinois 81-72 on Saturday.Weathers shot just 4 of 15 from the floor but made 10 of 13 free throws. McLane was 5 of 10 from the field, made 7 of 8 from the line and grabbed nine rebounds. Jake Wright chipped in 15 points on 5-of-5 shooting from 3-point range for Miami (3-3).Garret Covington scored 29 points to lead Western Illinois (2-4). Mike Miklusak had 14 points and 11 reboounds.dddddddddddd C.J. Duff added 12 points.The game was tied 60-60 midway through the second half when Abdoulaye Harounas 3-pointer sparked an 11-1 spurt to give the RedHawks a 71-61 lead with five minutes left. The Leathernecks cut the deficit to five points twice in the final minute but didnt get closer.It was the first meeting between the schools. ' ' '