Bicycle Racing News and Opinion
Monday, January 5, 2015

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Bradley Wiggins Signs New Deal With Sky

2012 Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins has signed a contract extrension with Team Sky that goes through April of this year. After that he'll prepare for an attempt on the World Hour Record and the 2016 Olympic Games.

Bradley Wiggins rides stage 19 of the 2012 Tour de France. Sirotti photo

Here's the press release about Wiggin's new contract from Team Sky:

Sir Bradley Wiggins has signed a contract extension that will see him ride with Team Sky up to and including Paris-Roubaix 2015. Wiggins joined Team Sky for its inaugural season in 2010 and created history with the team in 2012 when he became the first British rider to win the Tour de France.

During his time with Team Sky he has claimed 23 victories and has amassed one of the most impressive records in the sport. In 2013 he was knighted for his services to cycling. The new deal extends his contract with Team Sky until the end of April 2015, taking him into his sixth season with the team. He will then focus on preparing for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

On signing a contract extension with Team Sky, Sir Bradley Wiggins said: "Everyone knows what this team means to me so I¹m really pleased to extend my contract until the end of April 2015. I¹ve been with Team Sky from the start. I've had some amazing experiences during that time and I hope there are a few more to come. Sky's investment in cycling, and this team in particular, has helped change the cycling landscape in the UK and I'm proud to have played a part in that story.

"Paris-Roubaix is a special race for me and I¹m determined to give it another go in Team Sky colours. It¹s one of the toughest races in the calendar and my aim is to improve on my ninth-place finish last year. After that I can focus fully on preparing for the Rio Olympics in 2016."

Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: "We're delighted that Bradley's extended his contract with Team Sky into 2015. He's been with Team Sky since the beginning and during that time he's been an incredible ambassador for cycling and an inspiration to millions of people around the world. Rightly he still has big ambitions for the future and everyone at Team Sky will work their hardest to make his final chapter with us a successful one over the next few months."

Lotto-Soudal Announces Team for 2015 Tour Down Under

Lotto Soudal will ride the 2015 Santos Tour Down Under - which takes place from 20th until  25th January - with a new title sponsor and a team of riders wanting to stamp their authority on the event.

Australian and crowd favourite Adam Hansen returns to defend the Subaru King of the Mountains classification he won at this year’s event. The Willunga Hill climb will again see the riders fight it out for mountain honours on the Queen Stage, that’s stage five. The departure of André Greipel from the line up for the Santos Tour Down Under sees an opportunity for one of the young riders to establish themselves at the race and make their mark in Australia. Newcomer in the team Thomas De Gendt will make his fourth appearance at the race. Also Hansen and Henderson know the race well due to repeat appearances and would know what to expect within the regions.

Sports director Herman Frison: “We are delighted to be returning to Australia once again and to the Santos Tour Down Under to introduce our new sponsor to the fans and show the strength of our team. We are aiming for a good overall general classification with any number of our riders, as all have the ability to make an impact on the race.”

Selection Lotto Soudal: Lars Bak, Thomas De Gendt, Kenny Dehaes, Gert Dockx, Adam Hansen, Greg Henderson and Boris Vallée.
Sports director: Herman Frison

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