A TEAM of winning cyclists, who have dominated the Tour de France for years, will soon be riding under INEOS’ banner. For Team Sky is to become Team INEOS.
From May 1, INEOS will become the sole owners of the team, who have enjoyed unprecedented success and inspired millions of people to cycle regularly.
In a tweet, Chris Froome, who has won four Tours de France for Team Sky since 2013, said: “So excited that we as riders and staff will be able to continue on together for 2020 and beyond. Looking forward to continued success as Team INEOS.”
INEOS Chairman Jim Ratcliffe said INEOS was delighted to take on the responsibility of running such a professional team, who have amassed 327 victories, including eight Grand Tours.
That responsibility will pass to INEOS ahead of the Tour de Yorkshire, which starts in Doncaster on May 2.
Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford said it heralded the start of a hugely-exciting new chapter for the team.
“In INEOS, I know we have found the right partner whose vision, passion and pioneering spirit can lead us to even greater success on and off the bike,” he said.
Over the past few years INEOS has been running its own Tour de France Challenge for staff.
Each year teams of up to 20 are invited to complete each stage of the world’s most famous cycle race.
The only difference is that as the real riders chase each other through the French countryside for the coveted title, INEOS’ teams squeeze in their mileage before, during or after work. Now they will also have a vested interest in a team on the road to watch as well.