Australian cycler Richie Porte has joined Team Sky from Saxo Bank ahead of the 2012 season.

The 26-year-old, who began riding competitively in 2006, has admitted his delight at joining the British team.

"I'm really happy to have signed for Team Sky and cannot wait to see what next season will bring,” Porte told Team Sky’s official website.

“Ever since the launch of the team I've been really impressed with the way they go about their business and it'll be nice to be able to experience that first-hand now.

"For riders like myself who are always looking to develop and improve, I don't think there's a better place to be - the coaching set-up is absolutely top-notch and the way they look after their riders is also second to none.”

Porte worked his way up to pro cycling after stints with Praties and Monsummanese Grassi Mapei teams, as well as a year with Saxo Bank after signing in 2010.