Launceston cyclist Richie Porte has said he would welcome teaming up with Grand Tour specialist Vincenzo Nibali.
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Responding to rumours that the Italian was about to sign a two-year contract with his Trek-Segafredo team, Porte told cyclingtips: "For me, it would be great. I think we can work well together.
"We're kind of the same age, so I think it'll work well. I wouldn't be surprised if that's the case. You hear all the stories in the press, and for the moment they're just rumours, but for me, if it was to happen, I'm fine."
Porte finished 36th on the 207-kilometre third stage of the Tour of California from Stockton to Morgan Hill to drop a place to 14th overall.
He sits 37 seconds behind leader and former teammate Tejay Van Garderen (Education First).
The race continues until Saturday.
On his return to Europe the 34-year-old will race the Citerium du Dauphine as his final lead-in to the Tour de France.
Porte's teammate and fellow Tasmanian Will Clarke finished the 235km fourth stage of the Giro d'Italia 159th to sit 143rd of 172 riders.
Teammate Bauke Mollema is 12th, just 18 seconds off the lead.