Richie Porte
Team Sky rider Richie Porte of Australia climbs the Tourmalet pass during the 188-km (116.8 miles) 11th stage of the 102nd Tour de France cycling race from Pau to Cauterets in the French Pyrenees mountains, France, July 15, 2015. REUTERS/Stefano Rellandini

Richie Porte has confirmed he will join BMC Racing next year after agreeing to a one-year deal. The 30-year-old Porte, who recently helped Chris Froome win his second Tour de France title, announced his decision to leave Team Sky during the Tour last month.

As soon as cycling’s transfer window officially opened on Saturday, Porte immediately revealed he will suit up for BMC in 2016. The Australian admitted leaving Sky was a hard decision, but Porte was convinced it was the right move for his biking legacy.

“I was close to coming to the BMC Racing Team four years ago. This time, it was a hard decision, but the right decision,” Porte said, according to Cycling Weekly.

Porte confessed his excitement to have many opportunities to win races with BMC. The Tasmanian native also said he wants to top Paris-Nice and Volta a Catalunya again, while looking forward to team up with American cyclist Tejay van Garderen at next year’s Tour de France. BMC Racing manager Jim Ochowicz said Porte will give his team “extra muscle” and a wealth of experience. Ochowicz added that the Aussie’s arrival in BMC will give the racing team a chance to set strategies and goals throughout the season as reported by the Guardian.

Porte had been Froome’s super domestique during the Briton’s Tour wins in 2013 and 2015. The two time Paris-Nice winner had been also linked with Etixx-QuickStep and Orica-GreenEDGEv, before completing a deal with BMC.

Meanwhile, BMC has been exploring legal action over the Clasica San Sebastian’s controversial incident in the UCI WorldTour, according to Cycling Tips. BMC rider Greg Van Avermaet was clear on the final climb of the stage, but lost his chance of winning after the Belgian cyclist was run over by a motorbike, causing him to fall. After the incident, Orica GreenEdge rider Adam Yates went on to win the race.

“Greg was robbed and the BMC Racing Team was robbed when this happened. I am appalled that this could occur in a WorldTour race,” Ochowicz said.

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