Team Sky, one of modern cycling’s most successful outfits, stated in an open letter they would ensure there was clarity about their future before the Tour de France next July.
This followed an earlier announcement by Sky that 2019 would be their final year of involvement as team owners and sponsors.
In a statement on the team’s website it said they would compete as Team Sky for the final time throughout next year’s road racing season until December 31.
Team Sky in action during the second stage of this year’s Tour de France. Photo: ASO/Alex Broadway
If funding was secured from the beginning of 2020, the outfit would continue to ride under a new name.
“While Sky will be moving on at the end of next year, the team is open-minded about the future and the potential of working with a new partner should the right opportunity present itself,” said the team’s general manager Sir Dave Brailsford.
Sky’s group chief executive Jeremy Darroch said in the statement that the end of 2019 was the right time for them to move on as they opened a new chapter in their story.
“We came into cycling with the aim of using elite success to inspire greater participation at all levels. After almost a decade of involvement I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve achieved,” said Darroch.
During the 2018 racing season Sky’s Geraint Thomas won the Tour de France, while Chris Froome claimed the Giro d’Italia title.
In total, they have won eight Grand Tours, 52 stage races and 25 one-day events.
