Following his fifth place at the 2016 Tour, coupled with teammate Tejay van Gadreren’a poor performance in the race, BMC’s Richie Porte is looking forward to the 2017 Tour, the first Tour he will ride as absolute leader.

“This is probably the most important year of my career,” Porte told VeloNews during a media day this week. “It’s hard not to be motivated in 2017.”

The Australian said his ride this year proved he could challenge for a win in a three week Tour. Had he not had an untimely puncture on stage two, Porte would have finished on the Paris podium in second place.

“I’ve done many Tours in the service of other guys. The Tour is the ultimate race, so to be here and have an opportunity is a massive occasion for me,” Porte said. “People queried my ability to ride for three weeks, but you know, it’s a bit different when you are not the leader of the team.”