Bet on Cycling

Team Sky made its debut in 2010, marking the entry of a major British team in the highest echelon of the sport. The team includes many of the best British riders but a selection of talented riders from around the world makes Team Sky a true global team.

Team Manager David Brailsford admitted that the first year was long and hard but the team looks to have learnt some vital lessons and will be stronger and more competitive in 2011.

Bradley Wiggins is the natural figurehead of the team. He finished fourth in the 2009 Tour de France but was unable to repeat that performance in 2010. This year the former Olympic and Track World Champion will target other stage races and follow his racing instincts before focusing on the Tour de France in July. It will be fascinating to see how he performs.

Australia’s Simon Gerrans and Norway’s Edvald Boasson Hagen were slowed by difficult injuries in 2010 but should be back to their best for this year’s classics. Boasson Hagen is considered one of most talented riders in the sport and could go on to win both major classics and grand tours. He can count on Spain’s Juan Antonio Flecha and Wiggins as role models as he learns and progresses.

Team Sky has some of the best domestiques in the peloton in Steve Cummings, Matthew Hayman, Kurt-Asle Arvesen and Michael Barry, and some of the most promising young British riders: Geraint Thomas showed his British National Champion’s jersey on the cobbles during the Tour de France, while Pete Kennaugh, Alex Dowsett, Ian Stannard and Ben Swift all promise much for the future.

Australia’s Michael Rogers is the most important signing for 2011. He won the Tour of California in 2010 and brings huge amounts of stage race and time trial experience that should especially help Wiggins and fellow stage race rider Thomas Löfkvist. Other new names wearing the distinctive black and blue jersey are Jeremy Hunt, Christian Knees, Davide Appollonio, Rigoberto Uran and Xabier Zandio.