Richie Porte extends his Sky contract

Richie Porte has extended his contract with team Sky for two years and could lead his own Grand Tour team as early as next season Cycling Weekly believes.

It's understood Porte gave had interest from Omega Pharma-Quick Step but has decided to stay at the British-based outfit he transferred to at the end of 2011.

The 28-year-old may have an opportunity to lead the team at the 2014 Giro d'Italia, where Tour de France champion Bradley Wiggins is currently leading the team.

Porte was an instrumental figure in Sky's success at the Tour last year helping guide Wiggins to victory and Chris Froome to second overall.

The Australian has raced predominately alongside teammate Froome this season in the lead-up to the Tour but also capitalised on his own opportunities. He won two stages and the overall title at Paris-Nice, took one stage and had a stint in the leader's jersey at Criterium International, where he finished second overall to Froome, and claimed stage five at the Vuelta al Pais Vasco.

Sky has developed a reputation as Grand Tour specialists, which is in line with Porte's future ambitions, although the British team is not expected to hold on to all it's grand tour riders for next year.