Richie Porte has joined Ineos Grenadiers on a two-year contract. The Australian spent four years with the team, racing for the Team Sky title, before moving to BMC Racing and then Trek-Segafredo.

The 35-year-old, who finished third overall in the Tour de France, had attracted interest from Israel's Startup Nation for 2021.

But the lure of Dave Brailsford and Team Ineos proved too strong, and the move would see Porte step back from the job of leading the team in the Grand Tour.

"I've had a great four years and have the happiest memories of racing here. After considering my options this year, I am very motivated to finish my career with such a great team," Porte said.

"I've been blessed with the teams I've run with, but the camaraderie of this team is truly amazing. It's a great atmosphere and you can come back and start running right away. I still have a lot of good colleagues and friends on the team that I've worked with before."

"I want to contribute to more wins and come back and race with the best in the world. I know what my role is.

He had great success with Team Sky between 2012 and 2015, winning twice in Paris-Nice, finishing second in the Criterium du Dauphiné, and helping Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome win Grand Tours.

"Richie's podium at the Tour de France proved once again that he is one of the best riders in the peloton. He is a world-class climber and time triallist, and if you are building a team to compete against the best in the world, you want Richie Porte on your side," team manager Dave Brailsford said in a statement. [Richie has a wealth of experience and has a lot to offer the team. We are truly delighted to have him back

Porte is closer to the end of his career than where he started, but it is clear that he wants more than a final paycheck before retiring. However, the move would signal the end of his Grand Tour ambitions, which in itself would ultimately be a boon for Porte, a two-time winner of the Tour Down Under.

With Ineos, he can return to his best role on a team that has enjoyed consistent success as a super mountain domestique. Ineos can take advantage of experienced and loyal workers in Egan Bernal, Richard Karapas, and Pavel Sivakov, while Porte is likely to maintain his leadership in his favorite Tour Down Under and other weekday races.

Porte's first season with Trek-Segafredo was hardly a failure, but illness ruined his first season and a worldwide pandemic cut into his momentum after a strong showing in Australia. But this year's podium in Paris was a career highlight and a testament to his talent.

Porte's form since returning to racing has been one of the best of his career. [Trek acquired Vincenzo Nibali last year and re-signed Bauke Mollema this summer. For both Trek and Porte, it is expedient to part amicably.

For some time, Porte has been the best one-week stage racer in the world, winning almost every major race of any length except the Criterium du Dauphiné. The pressure will no doubt be lessened at Ineos, but on the other hand, the Australian should be able to seamlessly adapt to the team he left at the end of 2015.