Pate extends contract with Sky

American Danny Pate has extended his contract with Sky, the team announced on Monday.

Pate joined the British squad in 2012 after the shuttering of HTC-Highroad. Since joining Sky, Pate has ridden the 2012 Vuelta a España and 2013 Giro d’Italia.

“We’re delighted to have got a new deal in place for Danny. Everyone in the team knows just how hard he works and it’s no coincidence that he’s been part of some our best stage race performances,” said Sky principal Dave Brailsford. “He is a great personality to have in the squad and as we continue to target success he is undoubtedly going to be a key asset.”

Pate told VeloNews that his new contract would keep him with Sky through 2015.

Despite the roles he played in delivering Bradley Wiggins to the overall win at the Critérium du Dauphiné in 2012 and Richie Porte to the same at Paris-Nice in March, Pate has not started the Tour de France since 2011. A consistent workhorse, Pate, 34, is known widely for his ability to sit on the front of the peloton, setting tough pace for dozens of kilometers. He said it is a role he embraces.

“We’re the No. 1 team in the world right now. The guys don’t just rest on that. The team is always moving forward and trying to find the next improvement,” said Pate. “I like my position on the team. It’s not the team leader spot — that’s just not what I am. I enjoy what I do and I’m happy that the team values the work I do for them.”

The team did not disclose details of the contract extension.