Team Sky has announced its team for the 70th edition of the Vuelta a España, and unfortunately, there is no place for Philip Deignan. However, Nicolas Roche has been included in the line-up.
Tour de France winner Chris Froome leads the team and will be supported by Sergio Henao, Mikel Nieve, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Ian Boswell, Salvatore Puccio, Nicolas Roche and Geraint Thomas. The Vuelta starts in Puerto Banús this Saturday.
Team Principal Dave Brailsford said: “It’s been an unforgettable summer for us after winning the Tour de France for the third time, but it’s important to move on quickly, realign our goals and focus on the new challenges ahead.
“We’ve selected a strong squad for the Vuelta that has the right blend of talent and experience to support Chris Froome through the tough three weeks ahead.”
Team leader Chris Froome said: “I have great memories from this race so I’m pleased to be back. I’ve had a good rest after the Tour and now I’m ready for my next challenge. It will certainly be a very competitive race given the strong field – which will be great for the fans to watch. The competition will be tough and this is bike racing so anything can happen, but we have an excellent team and we’re ready to get the race started.”
It will be a disappointment for Philip Deignan who has performed well in the Vuelta previously. He won a stage in 2009, when racing for Cervélo TestTeam in addition to taking a stage win. It’s also a race that Roche has performed well in. In 2010, he finished in 6th place overall, and in 2013 he won a stage, held the leader’s jersey for a time and finished in 5th place overall.
Deignan dumped seen as froome chooses his races…Phillip needs to change teams..should be in the grand tours attacking in the mountains…how is Boswell in instead of him?
Simple, Sky is sponsored by 21st Century Fox and Boswell is American. Although, Boswell bas been proving himself more and more lately.
That’s why American riders will always be worth more than riders from other nations.
ie: Tejay Van Gardaren is being linked with Trek Factory Racing. He’s worth more to them than a team like Astana.
Yes time to move in