Showing posts with label 2012 Tour de France. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012 Tour de France. Show all posts

Sunday, 27 September 2015

Kwiatkowski Joins Team Sky


Team Sky have named 2014 world road race champion Michal Kwiatkowski as their seventh and final signing for the new season.

The 25-year-old Pole will join the British squad from Etixx - Quick-Step on January 1.

Kwiatkowski is one of the most highly rated young talents in the sport, specialising in hilly one-day classics and week-long stage races.

As well as the claiming the rainbow jersey last year, he has also won the Amstel Gold Race, Strade Bianche and the Volta ao Algarve in his six-year professional career.

Kwiatkowski told teamsky.com: "Team Sky aim for the highest goals in cycling so I'm very happy that this move has become a reality.

"Sir Dave Brailsford believes in my ability, which gives me great confidence for next season, and I know that this team can help me raise my performance levels and win big races.

"The team's marginal gains philosophy really fits my approach to cycling and I have great respect for what this team has achieved in such a short time. I am excited and motivated to race for Team Sky next year."

Team Sky principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: "Michal has performed fantastically well over the past couple of years. We have been following Michal's career for a long time. We tried to sign him four years ago, we tried to sign him two years ago, so this time we weren't going to miss out.

"We would like to think that we could add value to his career and offer him an opportunity to develop with Team Sky in both his one-day racing and stage racing.

"He is a future talent and he can keep getting better. His progression is what we are interested in and being part of that development."

Team Sky have not revealed the length of contract Kwiatkowski has signed.

They previously announced the signatures of Alex Peters, Gianni Moscon, Michal Golas, Danny van Poppel, Benat Intxausti and Mikel Landa.


Monday, 17 August 2015

Froome Confirms La Vuelta


Team Sky have confirmed Chris Froome as their leader for the Vuelta a España with the Tour de France champion looking to become the first Brit to win the Spanish race.

Froome, who won his second Tour de France in Paris in July,confirmed earlier this month that he would take part in the Vuelta but it was not known whether he would be targeting victory or playing a support role.

But Sky have confirmed that Froome will attempt to join Jacques Anquetil (1963) and Bernard Hinault (1978) in winning the Tour de France and the Vuelta in the same year.

The team principal, Sir Dave Brailsford, said: “It’s been an unforgettable summer for us after winning the Tour de France for the third time, but it’s important to move on quickly, realign our goals and focus on the new challenges ahead. We’ve selected a strong squad for the Vuelta that has the right blend of talent and experience to support Chris Froome through the tough three weeks ahead.”

Froome, who came to prominence in the 2011 Vuelta where he finished second having initially been selected to support Bradley Wiggins, will again be assisted by Geraint Thomas and Nicolas Roche as well as six other riders – Sergio Henao, Mikel Nieve, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Ian Boswell, Salvatore Puccio – who were not involved in the Tour de France.

Froome said: “I have great memories from this race so I’m pleased to be back. I’ve had a good rest after the Tour and now I’m ready for my next challenge.

“It will certainly be a very competitive race given the strong field – which will be great for the fans to watch. The competition will be tough and this is bike racing so anything can happen, but we have an excellent team and we’re ready to get the race started.”