Team Saxo Bank has signed a two-year contract with the Australian talent Richie Porte, who has impressed the world of cycling after three phenomenal years in the sport. This year alone he has celebrated more than a handful of triumphs in Europe.

The young rider won the time trial in the baby Giro, Ciclistico the Giro d'Italia for his Italian team Bedogni-Grassi, where former pro rider, Andrea Tafi now leads the team as sports director.

According to Team Saxo Bank, the young Tasmanian rider is undoubtedly a huge talent.

"Richie is relatively new in the world of cycling, but he has already shown his great talent on the road by winning several impressive victories in the diverse terrain and on time trials. With his winning character and team spirit, he will undoubtedly fall well into place on Team Saxo Bank. We are looking forward to working with Richie and even more so to developing his obvious great talent”, team owner Bjarne Riis said when asked to comment on his new rider.