Nat Bromhead
The INEOS Grenadiers have signed four big-name riders for 2021 and beyond with Richie Porte switching to the UK outfit for at least two years.
Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford said the WorldTour had recently seen a big boost in individual performance levels and the collective strength of teams. He said the team would be significantly bolstered by the signings of Porte along with Dani Martinez, Laurens de Plus and 21yo Tom Pidcock.
“Riders are better prepared and teams more organised,” Brailsford said. “The intensity of competition is increasing and it’s getting more difficult to win. We are relishing this challenge and focused on coming back stronger. The riders themselves are at the heart of any team and each one of our new signings forms a key part of the evolution of the Team.”
He said Richie Porte’s richly-deserved podium at the Tour de France once again demonstrated that he’s one of the best riders in the peloton.
“He’s a world class climber, time triallist, and if you are building a team to be competitive against the world’s best then you’d want Richie Porte by your side.
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“We already know how each other works, he knows how we race, and with the wealth of experience that Richie now has he has so much to offer the team. We really are extremely pleased to welcome him back!,” Brailsford said.
A former Team Sky member, Porte said had four fantastic years and some of the happiest memories there.
“I weighed up the options this year and I’m very motivated to be able to finish my career at such a fantastic team,” he said.
“I’ve been privileged with the teams I’ve ridden with but the camaraderie in this team is just incredible. It’s a great atmosphere and it will be nice to come back and hit the ground running. There are still so many good people and friends in the team that I’ve worked with before.
Richie concluded by saying he was motivated to be a part of more victories and to come back and race with some of the best guys in the world.
“I know what my role is – I know I can still win races on my day, but I see myself slotting in as a climbing domestique and it’s something I really look forward to.”
Your Thoughts: What do you think of Richie Porte’s move to Team Ineos
