Richie Porte played down his long-standing friendship with Chris Froome as he prepares to challenge his former team-mate for glory in the Tour de France, starting today.

Porte was a key lieutenant for Froome in his Tour victories in 2013 and 2015 before leaving Team Sky in the winter.

This year the Australian will lead BMC alongside Tejay van Garderen, out to prove he is a Grand Tour contender in his own right, so for the next three weeks his Monaco neighbour and frequent training partner is just another rival.

“Off the bike we’re still friends, but on the bike we’re rivals,” Porte said.

“It’s no different with him than it is with Nairo Quintana or anyone else here. I still want to beat him.”

The 31-year-old Porte spent four seasons with Sky, and was part of three Tour de France winning teams, but his loyalties have now shifted.

“I’m friends with a lot of those guys,” he said.

“In the races earlier this season one of the guys I’ve been banging the bars with most was Luke Rowe who also happens to be one of my best friends. I don’t expect favours off those guys and I don’t think they expect any favours off me.”

Ill-fated Giro

Porte went into only one Grand Tour as a team leader for Sky, but his 2015 Giro d’Italia was ill-fated and he ultimately abandoned through injury at the end of the second week.

He left the team seeking more opportunities and although he has one with BMC, he will not be their undisputed leader.

Van Garderen, 27, has twice finished fifth in the Tour, and appeared on course for a podium spot last year before abandoning on stage 17.

Having two leaders can often backfire as it leads to internal divisions over tactics, but Porte insists he is relaxed about it.

“We’ll take that decision as the race goes on,” he said.

“For the moment we’re both equal leaders. It’s all about getting through these first few days without any silly time losses.

“That’s going to show us how the leadership thing works out.”