After several weeks of speculation, Richie Porte has confirmed that he will leave Sky at the end of the season.

“It’s my last Tour de France with Team Sky, and I want to finish on a high with my mate Chris Froome,” Porte told Australia’s SBS Television. “I think it’s the worst-kept secret in the world. I’ve got to take my own opportunities.

“I’ve won Paris-Nice and Catalunya this year, and had my big opportunity in the Giro, which didn’t quite go to plan. 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.”

BMC are said to be in pole position to sign Porte who could play the role as the second leader alongside Tejay van Garderen. Etixx-QuickStep have also shown interest as they are looking for a replacement for Rigoberto Uran who is rumoured to leave the team.