Talented 22 year old British rider Ben Swift has been confirmed as the final addition to the new Team Sky setup, and describes his transfer from Team Katusha as ‘like coming home.’
He was part of the 26-man line-up presented at today’s official launch in London, and said that he’s looking forward to the chance to work with the team.
“I’m really pleased with my first season. But I think I’m more surprised than pleased. I never expected to ride the Giro, then to get placings there, and to finish; that's what I was most happy about,” he said.
Because of results such as victory on a stage of the Tour of Britain and third on a stage of the Giro d’Italia, Katusha resisted moves by Team Sky to sign Swift. Little is know of the behind-the-scenes machinations, but that deal has gone through now.
"I'm massively grateful to Katusha for the opportunities they gave me," says Swift, "but coming to Team Sky feels like coming home because I know so many of the support staff and riders. I will be in the perfect environment to grow as a rider with Team Sky."
Swift has long been part of the British Cycling Academy, and has worked with Rod Ellingworth and Max Sciandri during his development. Team Principal Dave Brailsford also knows him well and is keen to work with him once again.
“Ben is a real talent and his future looks bright because he ticks all the boxes that it takes to make it in this sport. He’s extremely serious, skilled on bike, he can climb and sprint and I really believe he can go far with us,” he stated. “We’ve worked quite some time with him on the track and I think the next years could be a massive breakthrough for him on the road as well”.
He’s the eighth British rider on the team, joining Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas, Steve Cummings, Pete Kennaugh, Chris Froome, Ian Stannard and Russell Downing.
Ben Swift career highlights:
Gold medal - team pursuit, 2007 under-23 European track championships;
1st - final stage and king of the mountains, 2007 Giro delle Regioni;
1st - King of the Mountains, 2007 Tour of Britain;
1st - 2008 Coppa della Pace;
1st - 2008 GP Coppa Romita;
4th - 2008 under-23 world road race championship;
1st - stage 7 of 2009 Tour of Britain;
3rd - stage 2 of 2009 Giro d'Italia;
2nd - 2009 Nokere Koerse;
2nd, 3rd and 4th - stages five, two and four respectively, 2009 Vuelta al Pais Vasco