I want to absolutely bust myself to not just help my good mate Chris Froome win a second Tour, but to also to repay Team Sky for the opportunities they have given me. Behind Froomey: Team Sky power yellow jersey holder Chris Froome to second place in the team time trial. Credit:AP If anything, by confirming my departure from Team Sky will make me do my job even better. After so much speculation in the media, by putting it on the table there is transparency about my future, and everyone on Team Sky can now focus on the now rather than the 'maybes' of tomorrow. And yes … if you are wondering, 'Froomey' knows I am here at the Tour 100 per cent for him.

We are good mates. We have spoken about this and he totally understands my move. At 30 years of age, I feel I am at the optimal period of my career and I really want to make a fist of leading a team regularly. So I need to make the leap of faith and find out for myself if I am capable of it – which I believe I am. But the rider I am in the future will always be a by-product of four years of development at Team Sky. When I joined Team Sky they put forward a terrific program designed towards me working to the chance of one day leading the team in a grand tour.

That journey has exposed me to experiences that will remain lifelong highs for the rest of my life. I've ridden with the team in some fabulous years. There have been challenges and the odd struggle or two, but as professional cyclists we know that it is never going to plain sailing all the way. The tough times also help you appreciate the good times, and there have been many at Team Sky. To have ridden for Bradley Wiggins when he won the Tour in 2012 and then for Froomey in 2013 when he won was fantastic; as were the respective campaigns that led to their Tour victories. Now, here I am at the 2015 Tour, facing a chance to do it again for Froomey. What a way to finish my time at Team Sky, if we can get him up on top of the podium in Paris again on Sunday week.

I must be fair too ... I've had my opportunities, and for that I'm really grateful; even if leading the team at this year's Giro d'Italia didn't go to plan due to crash injuries leading to me to leave the race with six days to go. There is still plenty I have learned from that Giro experience which I believe will help make me a better rider in coming years. But don't think that is my focus now ... it is this Tour and savouring every experience it offers. Besides wanting to help Froomey I also want to respect the bond we have in this team between the riders and staff who work their butts off to have us as best prepared and ready to race.