Published September 30, 2014 08:27AM
Roche, four others bolster Sky lineup for 2015
The Irishman has served as a key lieutenant to Alberto Contador on Tinkoff-Saxo since 2013
Nicolas Roche will be tasked with helping lead Chris Froome through the Tour de France next summer. Photo: Tim De Waele | <a href="http://tdwsport.com" target="_blank">TDWsport.com</a>
LONDON (AFP) — Irish rider Nicolas Roche and four others have signed on with Sky for 2015, the team announced Tuesday.
The 30-year-old Roche, who has a wealth of grand tour experience, is joined at the British squad by Scot Andrew Fenn, Czech rider Leopold Konig, and Dutchmen Wout Poels and Lars Petter Nordhaug, who has re-signed with Sky after two years away.
Roche’s signing is significant as it strengthens Chris Froome’s support for the 2015 Tour de France, while simultaneously weakening Alberto Contador’s squad as the Irishman was previously at Tinkoff-Saxo.
Roche, the son of 1987 Tour de France winner and world champion Stephen Roche, said: “It’s a great honor to sign for Team Sky and I have the opportunity to ride with some of the best riders in the world.
“I feel that I’m still developing as a rider so now’s the perfect time to join Team Sky and to continue my upwards path.”
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Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford said: “He brings a wealth of experience, having ridden 13 grand tours in his career, and that will be invaluable to the team.
“Nicolas has the perfect character and temperament for us and we expect him to play a key role next season.”
Konig is also likely to play a strong support role for Froome, while also riding grand tours for a high placing himself.
On NetApp-Endura, Konig placed seventh in the 2014 Tour de France and has claimed stage wins at the Vuelta a Espana, Amgen Tour of California, and the Tour of Britain.
The 24-year-old Fenn becomes Sky’s first Scottish rider, after moving from Mark Cavendish’s Omega Pharma-Quick Step squad.
Poels becomes the first Dutchman at Sky and the climber has been watched by the squad for some time, while Nordhaug returns after a three-year stay from 2010 to 2012.
Brailsford added: “We’ve signed five quality riders for next season and each one of them will help strengthen and enhance the squad.
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“We have a strong nucleus of riders at Team Sky and these signings will be excellent additions to the squad.
“They all bring their own qualities and we’re looking forward to welcoming them to the team and seeing them in action next season.”