Australian star Richie Porte has confirmed cycling’s worst-kept secret: he will leave Team Sky at the end of the year.
Porte is in the final year of his contract with the British super team and talk has been rife the 30-year-old Tasmanian is looking to pursue his dreams of Grand Tour success elsewhere.
He finally laid his cards on the table on Monday (AEST) following the Tour de France’s 28km team time trial from Vannes to Plumelec.
“I think it’s the worst-kept secret in the world,” Porte told SBS after the ninth stage, won by BMC.
“I’ve got to take my own opportunities.”
After four years at Sky, Porte is as one of the biggest names in this year’s transfer market and has been linked to BMC. Etixx-QuickStep have also reportedly shown interest and Orica-GreenEDGE are on the lookout for a general classification rider.
He is in Sky’s team for the Tour but as a key domestique for his good friend Chris Froome, who has tightened his grip on the yellow jersey heading into the second week.
Porte acknowledged he would have much more opportunity to lead a Grand Tour outfit elsewhere.
“I’ve won Paris-Nice and Catalunya this year, and had my big opportunity in the Giro, which didn’t quite got to plan,” he said.
“But I’m ready, I’m in the prime of my career now the next few years, so I need to go and lead a team.”
Porte has proven himself at Sky in the Tour de France as a domestique, or helper.
He played crucial roles when Brad Wiggins won the 2012 Tour and Froome took the title the following year.
Two months ago, Porte led Sky at the Giro d’Italia after starting the season with outstanding form.
But after a strong start to the Italian classic, Porte’s race fell apart following a controversial two-minute penalty for accepting a replacement wheel from compatriot and Orica-GreenEDGE rider Simon Clarke.
Porte eventually abandoned the race because of injuries from a crash.
Fancy a wager on your favourite sport? Head on over to PlayUp for great odds and friendly customer service and pick a winner. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Australia's Jai Hindley has said he is "lost for words" after a shock stage victory at the Tour de France earned him the leader's…
Australia's Jai Hindley has said he is "lost for words" after a shock stage victory at the Tour de France earned him the leader's…
Tadej Pogacar has won a drama-packed Tour of Flanders, winning in a breakaway with Matieu van der Poel second, Mads Pedersen third and Wout…
Women are not allowed to compete in the Tour de France. However you choose to re-read that sentence, the fact remains: the most famous…
The jam-packed month-by-month quiz full of 2022 sports trivia!
Australian Grace Brown has won silver in the women's time trial, the first event at the world road cycling championships.
