Richie Porte signs new Team Sky deal and targets Grand Tour success

Richie Porte has set his sights on leading Team Sky in one of next season's Grand Tours after signing a new deal.
The Australian was a key member of the Sky line-up that delivered a Sir Bradley Wiggins-Chris Froome one-two at last year's Tour de France.
Porte will again play a supporting role to Froome this year, but is keen to emerge from his team-mates' shadows in the future.
The details of the new deal have not been released, but he said: "With this new contract comes an added responsibility.
"While I'm more than happy to help guys like Chris Froome and Sir Bradley Wiggins in the future, I would love to lead the squad in a Grand Tour next season."
Team Sky boss Sir Dave Brailsford said: "Richie has been a key part this team's stage-race success since he arrived here and this new contract is a statement of intent for both him and the team.
"Every time he has taken on a leadership role he has excelled. We saw at Paris-Nice exactly what Richie is capable of and there is no doubt that there is a lot more to come from him.
"If he maintains his current trajectory there is no reason why he can't go into a Grand Tour and challenge for victory."
Porte has enjoyed his best start to a season in 2013, capturing victory at Paris-Nice in March and two second places, at the Criterium International and Vuelta al Pais Vasco.
Porte joined Team Sky at the start of the 2012 season and played a key part in Sir Bradley Wiggins's historic success at last summer's Tour de France.
The 28-year-old possesses the ability to climb and time trial with the best riders in the world, making him a prime candidate for leadership in future Grand Tours.

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