Porte says farewell, but can't wait to lead

Australian Richie Porte marked his last Tour de France in Team Sky colours today celebrating another yellow jersey victory with race winner Chris Froome and the rest of the British squad.

Richie Porte and Chris Froome celebrate victory in Paris (Getty Images) Source: Getty Images

The 30-year-old had retorted to doping taunts on social media the morning of the final stage to Paris but was in good spirits at the rain soaked start of stage 21 in Sevres.

Porte revealed during the Tour that he will leave Sky at the end of this season to pursue his own chances as a grand tour team leader having served, at least at the Tour, as a super domestique with the outfit he joined in 2012. 

Porte has assisted Sky to three Tour wins in that time, first with Bradley Wiggins in 2012 and then Froome in 2013 and now 2015.

“I’ve had a great four years here, I’ve got some really good friends here, but I feel like it is time to move on, as sad as that is,” Porte reflected. 

The Tasmanian noted a difference in team dynamic this summer during which a younger outfit tackled challenges on the road from rivals and off the road from rogue cycling spectators.

“We’re very close, we’ve been together for such a long time and it’s is an incredible feeling obviously,” he said.

Under UCI rules teams cannot discuss rider transfers until 1 August although Porte has been strongly linked to BMC for the 2016 season.

He and Froome have developed a healthy professional and personal relationship, last year embarking on an unofficial training camp in Tasmania during the off-season.

Asked what it would be like to potentially ride against the two-time Tour winner next season, Porte responded by poking fun at transfer gossip.

“Obviously me going to Orica-GreenEDGE next year, it’s going to be a bit strange lining up against each other but that’s just this sport,” he said.

Follow @SophieSmith86