Australian star Richie Porte will return to cycling after his horrific Tour de France crash at this weekend's Japan Cup.
Porte has been out of action since suffering a fractured pelvis and broken collarbone when he crashed on Mont du Chat near the end of the Tour's ninth stage in July.
The 32-year-old rejected the chance to rest easy for the remainder of 2017, opting to contest the 144km season-ending event in Utsunomiya.
"Not only is it a chance for me to get another race day in the legs before the end of the season, but it's also my first opportunity to race at the Japan Cup since 2013," Porte said.
"It's always a great atmosphere at the race. I can definitely say it's one of my favourite races.
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"Given I haven't raced since July, I'm not going in with any expectations. I'm just happy to be racing again this year before my focus turns to the 2018 season."
The BMC rider had been in the form of his life this season before crashing out while sitting fifth in the overall Tour standings.
