After a series of mishaps ended his Giro d'Italia campaign prematurely, Richie Porte (Sky) is back on his bike and ready to support Chris Froome at the Tour de France. However, he still laments having missed out on a great opportunity to win a grand tour.

"It was a disaster, but that's life," he told Tuttobiciweb. "We got there in great condition and until the first rest I was really confident. Then there was a series of mistakes and misfortunes, starting with the famous wheel change, that prevented me from fighting for the maglia rosa. This year was particularly tough, but next year I want to go back because I love the Giro and my dream is to win it.

"When you have the responsibility to win yourself, it is not easy but it is a privilege to have the team at your disposal. The Giro was a great opportunity, an opportunity that I sadly missed. It is an honour to be a leader and I hope to be in that position again, but I am happy to go to the Tour without too much stress. It is not a problem to be a domestique for Chris and that is how it will be.

"We're going to win with Chris Froome. Surely Quintana, Nibali and Contador have proved to be very strong and that they have prepared well for the event so it will be quite a challenge. I'm happy to go there without too much pressure on myselv. I will give my best from Froome and the whole team that will be at the start united and in great condition.

"[The biggest rival will be] Vincenzo [Nibali]. He has proven to be very good on the cobbles, he's smart and unpredictable, so he is the one we have to keep an eye on. Quintana? He is back from Colombia. We will see how he goes."

The UCI recently banned the use of motorhomes after Porte had used that special accommodation during the Giro.

"Hearing those news left me somewhat perplexed. From my point of view it is disappointing to learn that our international federation hampers the development and technology and does not recognize that motorhomes are a step forward for cycling. They should embrace novelty of this type. I do not understand this change to the regulation and do not share their views but like all the riders I have to accept it."