Cycling: Team Sky won two major national tours in 2018 in the person of Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas. This should be repeated in the last season of the main sponsor. But who gets to enjoy the role of captain at the Tour de France?
Sky 2018: Froome & Thomas dominate Giro & Tour
2018 was another successful year for Team Sky. The British squad once again impressed, particularly in the Grand Tours. Chris Froome was signed for the Giro d'Italia and, after his acquittal in the salbutamol case, was indeed allowed to start. The four-time Tour de France winner won the Italian Grand Tour in impressive fashion. On stage 19, he attacked on the Colle delle Finestre and launched an 80-kilometer solo attack. Experts agreed: this was one of the greatest performances in the history of cycling. Just a few weeks later, he was also among the frontrunners in France. However, it wasn't enough for the overall victory. His teammate Geraint Thomas stepped up and secured his first Tour de France win. In total, the team celebrated 43 victories and finished on the podium 56 times. Gianni Moscon, Michal Kwiatkowski , and Egan Bernal, in particular , contributed strong results.
Transfers: Has Sky brought the next rising star into the team with Sosa?
Team Sky has made few mistakes in the transfer market in recent years. They have consistently brought in riders who could strengthen the existing squad in specific areas. The signing of Egan Bernal last winter can arguably be considered their marquee signing. The Colombian has already secured several victories in 2018 and is considered a top general classification contender. With Ivan Sosa, they have now signed another Colombian rider, who is also said to possess considerable talent. Alongside him, Filippo Ganna, Manuel Narvaez , and Ben Swift are expected to provide support. While they did let go of Luis Henao , a once highly promising Colombian talent, he failed to live up to expectations in recent years. The departures of Philip Deignan, Benat Intxausti, David Lopez , and Lukasz Wisniowski are not expected to have a significant impact on the team.
| departures | Additions | |
|---|---|---|
| Sergio Luis Henao (UAE Team Emirates) | Filippo Gana (UAE Team Emirates) |
|
| Beñat Intxausti (Euskadi Basque Country – Murias) | Jonathan Manuel Narvaez (Quick Step Floors) |
|
| Philip Deignan (end of career) | Ivan Ramiro Sosa (Androni Giocattoli – Sidermec) |
|
| Lukasz Wisniowski (CCC) | Ben Swift (UAE Team Emirates) |
|
| David Lopez (end of career) |
Sky 2019: A good conclusion seems guaranteed for Sky
Since its founding in 2010, Team Sky has improved every season. 2019 is expected to be its last year under this main sponsor's name . What happens to the team after that is currently uncertain. A successor sponsor is being sought to take over the team and thus guarantee its continued success. It is widely believed that the roster is strong enough for major victories in the 2019 season as well. With Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, the team will once again play a significant role in the Grand Tours. Egan Bernal is also expected to take the next step in his career and will therefore be among the top contenders. The group of potential winners is rounded out by Michal Kwiatkowski, Gianni Moscon , and Wout Poels, who will also act as key support riders in some races. Thus, another top season seems guaranteed in 2019 – and the end of this roster is not yet in sight.
Sky has announced that 2019 will be the final year of its involvement in cycling, drawing to a close an association spanning more than a decade of unprecedented success.
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— Team Sky (@TeamSky) December 12, 2018