This year’s Tour of Britain winner Jonathan Tiernan-Locke has announced that he is to join Team Sky. Perhaps no great surprise that the aggressively ambitious team should want to sign the 27-year-old climber; wins at both the Tour de Mediterranean and Tour du Haut Var, topped off by ToB victory have seen an impressive year for him and the move from Endura Racing should certainly see further impressive results. Commenting on the two year deal Tiernan-Locke said, ‘It’s an incredible opportunity for me to step up from the UCI Continental ranks, and although I’ve really enjoyed my time at Endura, I couldn’t pass up the chance to join the world’s best team. When you look at the season Team Sky have had, to even be considered by them was a massive honour for me, so I’m over the moon to be riding for them in 2013… I’m under no illusions – it’s going to be a big step up – but with all the support I’ll receive from the coaching staff, and having such talented riders around me, I’ll definitely be looking to up my game.’
Dave Brailsford, Team Sky Principal, commented, ‘At Team Sky we are determined that the best British talent have the opportunities to compete at the highest level of our sport. We have monitored Jonathan’s progress closely and are delighted to offer him this contract.’
