Team Sky sign British prospects Alex Peters and Tao Geoghegan Hart
Last Updated: 01/08/15 3:53pm
Team Sky have announced the signing of two new British trainee riders.
Alex Peters, 21, and Tao Geoghegan Hart, 20, will both join on Saturday.
Peters, who currently rides for SEG Racing Academy, will make his debut at the RideLondon-Surrey Classic on Sunday and will then commence a two-year contract at the start of the 2016 season.
Hart joins from Axeon Cycling Team, where he has been riding for the past two years.
Peters won a stage of the Tour de Bretagne in April, while Hart finished 15th overall at last year’s Tour of Britain.
Peters said: "I want to succeed as GC rider in the future and I feel Sky is the best platform for me to listen, learn and develop. Signing for Team Sky is a dream come true and I can’t wait to start."
Hart added: "To be able to ride alongside some of the best riders in the world will be a huge experience and opportunity to develop as a rider. Professional races are a big step up, but I hope to rise to the challenge and learn as much as possible in the process."
Team Sky have been criticised in recent years for not signing and developing enough young home-grown talent, but the acquisition of two of Britain’s brightest prospects should appease doubters.
The team’s head of performance operations, Rod Ellingworth, said: "Britain is producing some of the best cyclists in the world and I am proud of the role that Team Sky can play in inspiring and supporting home-grown talent.
"We have been watching Alex and Tao progress over the last few years and they are both showing real promise. It’s a big step in their developing careers and we are happy that they are taking that step with us."
