Porte looks set to change cycling teams

The Trek-Segafredo team have confirmed they are speaking to Australian cyclist Richie Porte's management, amid continued uncertainty about the future of BMC.

Australian cyclist Richie Porte

BMC's inability to confirm a new sponsor means cyclist Richie Porte could switch teams. (AAP)

Continued uncertainty over BMC's future means Australian Tour de France hope Richie Porte could head to Trek-Segafredo.

Porte will not comment about who he will ride for beyond this season, but BMC's inability to confirm a new major sponsor means the Tasmanian is probably on the move.

Trek-Segafredo have confirmed to the Cyclingnews website that they are talking to Porte's management and they would appear to be a solid fit for him.

The team have been after a Grand Tour contender since Spanish star Alberto Contador retired at the end of last season.

Porte, 33, will be one of the key rivals trying to dethrone defending Tour de France champion Chris Froome when the Tour de France starts in July 7.

BMC have a rich Australian history, with Cadel Evans joining them in 2010 and the following year making history by winning the Tour de France.

Compatriot Rohan Dennis also rides for the team and there has been speculation he will leave.

But contracts cannot be confirmed until the UCI's August 1 deadline.

Another Australian currently at BMC is last year's surprise national road champion Miles Scotson.

Veteran Simon Gerrans will be one of Porte's key lieutenants in the Tour de France, but this could be the 38-year-old Victorian's last season.

BMC have named a strong team around Porte for the Tour, with Belgian star Greg Van Avermaet and American Tejay van Garderen - twice a top-five Tour de France finisher - also in their lineup.

Porte finished fifth in the Tour two years ago and is rated Australia's best overall hope in the three-week race since Evans.

He was well-placed last year, but suffered serious injuries in a horrific crash during stage nine.

Porte showed his Tour de France campaign was tracking well by winning this month's Tour de Suisse.

"I would love to stand on the podium in Paris, (but) as we saw last year, anything can happen," Porte said.

"We have a great team, it's generally a good course for me, and I'm excited to start racing."


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Source: AAP



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