Ben Swift

Rider Profile

Ben Swift is one of five riders to have been part of Team Sky since the beginning, and is now in his eighth season as a pro.

During that time Ben has achieved 13 victories, among them the team's first-ever overall race win at the 2010 Tour de Picardie, and six WorldTour stage successes. Not only can 'Swifty' mix it up in the pan-flat sprints, he can stay in contention on the hillier days, and also compete on short, punchy finishes.

With mountains jerseys, points jerseys and even a rainbow track jersey in his possession, Ben's versatility and commitment to the cause make him a popular and highly-valued member of the team.

Q&A

Who inspired you to start cycling?

I'm from a cycling family so I'd say my dad.

First bike:

A blue and yellow David Marsh, made to measure, with downtube shifters and cable levers.

First cycling club:

B.A.T.S All Terrain

Childhood hero:

Oscar Freire, Robbie McEwen and Paulo Bettini. I try to model my riding on them.

What do you love most about cycling?

It's my passion and although it's my job, I still really enjoy it. I feel so lucky to be able to do this because it's all I ever wanted to do.

What has cycling taught you?

It's who I am. I've always loved it and I'll always be on my bike.

Previous teams:

2009 Katusha

Favourite race:

The Classics. The atmosphere is unbelievable. It's the same with the World Championships.

Favourite ride:

Leading the peloton onto the Champs Elysees at my first Tour de France. I was able to soak up the atmosphere and it was a big achievement to finish the race.

If you weren't a rider, what would you be?

Not a clue. I've never thought about it.

Interests away from cycling:

I've got a Land Rover which I like taking off-road.

Favourite film:

The Hangover

Favourite music:

I like a wide variety of music.

Best friend in the peloton:

I have a lot of friends but spend most time with Adam Blythe.

Funniest team-mate:

Geraint and Bradley are both very funny.

Favourite food:

Ice cream

Most famous person you've met:

Eddy Merckx

Most embarrassing moment:

When I used to ride as a teenager with my name on the back of my shorts, fake-tanned legs and long overshoes.

Interesting fact:

I can ride a unicycle

Best advice:

Be prepared to work hard and make sure you enjoy riding your bike.

Rider website:

www.benswift.cc

Career Highlights

2007

European Under-23 Track Championships - Gold medal, team pursuit; Giro delle Regioni - 1st mountains classification, 1st stage six; Tour of Britain - 1st mountains classification

2008

Coppa della Pace - 1st; GP Coppa Romita - 1st; Giro della Valle d'Aosta Mont Blanc - 1st stage five

2009

Tour of Britain - 1st stage seven; Giro d'Italia - 3rd stage two

2010

Tour de Picardie - 1st overall, 1st points classification, 1st young rider classification, 1st stage two

2011

Tour Down Under - 3rd overall and two stage wins; Tour of California - 1st stage two; Tour de Romandie - 1st stage five; Vuelta a Castilla y Leon - 1st stage five

2012

World Track Championships - 1st scratch race; Tour de Pologne - two stage wins and 1st points classification

2014

Settimana Coppi e Bartali - 1st stage 1a; Vuelta al Pais Vasco - 1st stage five

2015

Settimana Coppi e Bartali - 2nd overall and one stage win