2009 London-Paris Cycle Tour rider, Scott Sunderland (pictured: right), manager of Team Sky, has made some exciting announcements for 2010. 16 riders have now been revealed, six of whom are British. Sunderland managed team CSC to Tour de France victory with Carlos Sastre in 2008, and after taking time out of his busy schedule to ride the 2009 L2P, he's now fully concentrated on creating a pro team that's capable of winning the Tour de France in five years time.
Sunderland appeared excited on his Twitter on 10/09/09, exclaiming: Edvald, Thomas, Kurt, Simon, Juan Antonio, Kjell, John-Lee, Greg, Lars Petter, Morris...WELCOME to the team! Am looking forward to 2010!
The six British riders are:
Geraubt THOMAS MBE: Born in Cardiff, the 23 year-old came through the British Cycling Academy and is a former winner of the Junior Paris Roubaix. Turned professional with Barloworld in 2007, becoming the youngest rider in that year’s Tour de France and the first Welshman to ride it for 40 years. Won Gold for Team Pursuit at Beijing Olympics.
Peter KENNAUGH: Aged 20, and one of the most promising talents to emerge in several years, he turns professional with Team Sky. Peter progressed through the Academy to become the British Under-23 Champion and to dominate the Under-23 calendar in Italy, winning the Trofeo Bastianelli, GP Capadarco and a stage of the Baby Giro. Born on the Isle of Man and partners fellow Manxman Mark Cavendish in Madison on the track.
Steve CUMMINGS: The 28-year old from Birkenhead is in his fifth season as a professional, riding for Discovery with Lance Armstrong and then with Barloworld. The former Junior National Road champion has now taken three professional wins. A strong time-trial rider, he helped GB to Team Pursuit Gold at the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Silver at the 2004 Olympics and the World Championship in 2005.
Chris FROOME: Started in mountain biking in South Africa before moving onto the road, he is an outstanding climber with great potential to develop further. Turned pro in 2007 and is now in his third professional season. Currently with Barloworld, the 24-year old completed the Tour de France in 2008 and was seventh amongst the young riders at the 2009 Giro d’Italia.
Ian STANNARD: Born in Chelmsford, the 22-year old made his professional road debut two years ago as a trainee with T-Mobile. He came 3rd in last year’s Tour of Britain - riding for the GB team and finishing one place behind Steve Cummings - and was selected to ride this year’s Giro d’Italia with the new ISD team.
Russell DOWNING: Winner of the 2009 Tour of Ireland and a former British National Road Champion in 2005. The 31-year old has ridden for Great Britain at the World Championship and, as one of the most successful ever domestic-based professionals, has a long history on the British road-racing scene. Currently rides for Pinarello.
The other riders, announced on 10/09/09 are:
Edvald BOASSEN HAGEN - Norway
An outstanding talent, just 22-years old, Edvald currently sits third overall in the UCI rankings, having won Eneco Tour and Gent Wevelgem along with a stage in this year’s Giro d’Italia. One of the brightest talents in pro cycling.
Thomas LOVKVIST - Sweden
Currently with Columbia HTC, he turned pro with Francaise de Jeux in 2004. Has had a great season, wearing the Maglia Rosa in the Giro d’Italia and winning best young rider at Tirreno Adriatico. GC and Classics prospect and a very exciting addition to Team Sky.
Kurt ARVESEN - Norway
Known as a sprinter and Classics rider, he has won stages of the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia. Current National Champion, former U-23 World Champions and a pro for 12 seasons, he is an elder statesman who will be a good mentor to younger riders. The 34-year old has been with Saxo Bank since 2004.
Simon GERRANS - Australia
Currently with Cervelo Test Team. Has won stages of all three Grand Tours this year, including the Vuelta this week, and proved a superb team player. Turned pro with Ag2r in 2005 before moving to Credit Agricole in 2008 and winning the Tour Down Under.
Juan Antonio FLECHA - Spain
A highly experienced pro with ten years experience and a stage win in the Tour de France. Known as a Classics specialist, has two podium finishes in Paris-Roubaix. Brings a wealth of knowledge to the team and will play a vital role with the younger riders.
Kjell CARLSTROM - Finland
Aged 32, he has been with Liquigas for four seasons having turned pro with Amore e Vita in 2002. Rode the Tour, Vuelta and Giro with Liquigas and is a stage winner in Paris-Nice. A specialist climber, reliable in 3-week tours.
John Lee AUGUSTYN - South Africa
At 23-years old he is a young developing talent with potential to be a great climber. Currently with Barloworld, he rode the Tour de France with them last year. Turned professional in 2005 with Konica Minolta.
Greg HENDERSON - New Zealand
The 31-year old New Zealander will join from Columbia HTC. A former World Champion and Commonwealth medal-winner he has recorded nine victories in 2009 including a stage win at this year’s Vuelta a Espana.
Lars PETTER NORDHAUG - Norway
Started his career as a mountain-biker before switching to the road and becoming National Champion of Norway. The 25-year old Bianchi pro was runner-up to Russell Downing in the 2009 Tour of Ireland.
Morris POSSONI - Italy
The 25-year old has had four seasons as a professional; two with Lampre-Fondital and two with Columbia HTC. Wore the best young rider jersey during the 2008 Giro d’Italia.