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.
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Guest
I don't think he will ever win a Grand Tour, he would be a good pick up for a team that is interested in minor tours and could get some much needed points for a team to keep their status.
Wombat
Roar Rookie
Porte to OGE ? Not sure, he's the value for $$ they'd be after as he's unproven as a GT contender and whilst he can win/place high in 3 week races they already have riders who fit that bill. I'm not sure that OGE has the budget to match the offers he may field from the likes of BMC and I'm not certain he'd accept the pay reduction. OGE has 3 AUS youngsters signed for 2016 of which 2 (Haig and Power) are climbers. They would do best developing them and hopefully retaining the Yates' twins for as long as possible. I don't think Dennis' climbing ability is likely to be of sufficient standard to be a GT contender however he does have the potential to be one of the elite TTers. He seems at home at BMC but how the future plays out, both $$wise and team chemistry, if Porte lands there remains open to speculation. Dennis was part of the AUS track enduro program but not sure what the harmony was like with others who are currently at OGE. His better half (Mel Hoskins) rides for Orica-AIS so who knows ?
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yes, its about time that Richie went his own way and let's hope that he joins the Aussies at Orica-GreenEDGE, as should Rohan Dennis. Wouldn't it be nice if we had all the Aussie riders ride for an Australian team so that we can prove to the world what is the inevitable, that the Aussie riders are the best in the world.