With Chris Froome suffering up Alpe d’Huez yesterday, Richie Porte, struggling on a course of antibiotics, decided it was his chance to go out on a high note with Team Sky in his final mountain stage for the team. He and Wout Poels dragged Froome up the hill and ensured he maintained his GC advantage over Nairo Quintana to win the 2015 Tour de France.

“To be honest, it was my last mountain stage with Sky, and I had a good chat with Nicolas Portal (director at Team Sky) this morning,” Porte toldCyclingnews. “I’ve been on antibiotics for about 10 days now and it’s been devastating for me to not play a part in the race, really, you know?”

Porte says he is pleased to help the team win the Tour but the race has been a little bit disappointed with the race for himself, after he wasn’t able to play a big role after stage ten.

“I think our team has been absolutely fantastic in this race and everyone has done their job, it’s just a bit disappointing for me,” Porte said.

“I know where I was at coming into it, I was climbing well and I think I showed that in the first mountain stage,” Porte said. “Yesterday, Chris Froome came to my room and said, ‘just give me all you’ve got tomorrow’. He’s such a great mate and I’m just happy to be able to finish it off on a high level.”

Porte says Froome has won the Tour without being fully fit, which scares Porte knowing that he will be racing against the Brit next year.

“Obviously, the last three weeks have really taken a toll on him [Chris Froome], and truth be known, I don’t think he’s really been that healthy either. It’s testament to how hard he is mentally, and it’s a little bit worrying knowing that next year I’ll be taking him on.”

Nonetheless, Porte went out on a high and sufficiently paid back the team for all the help they have given him over the last few years.

“It’s nice to leave this team on a high. I’ve made some life-long friends here and it’s just such a great way to finish it off.”