It is fair to say that Team SKY has brought a level of professionalism and corporate efficiency to the sport of ProTeam cycling that is akin to that previously found only in the realms of Formula1 racing. Their whole ethos and drive is one based around meticulous planning and attention to detail that has not only highlighted and focused the Team’s vision, but also the weaknesses and frailties found within the competitors organisational structures.

The real substance to this multi million pound marketing dream however, is that they have shrewdly assembled a portfolio of personalities, abilities and ambitions that collectively have the makings of a globally competitive cycling team. Team boss Dave Brailsford has the pedigree, ambition and experience to make this work and in his philosophy of the “…aggregation of marginal gains” he has found the basis from which Team SKY can collectively advance to their ultimate goal. Securing the services of Bradley Wiggins at the end of 2009 was the icing on the cake for Team SKY, but the real statement of intent came from a squad selection that includes Edvald Boasson Hagen, Geraint Thomas and Simon Gerrans who all bring massive capabilities in their individual areas of expertise.

The Riders

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With a support crew (Scott Sunderland in particular) that is just as well put together as the riding team, many felt that they would create a stir right from the off! They weren’t to be disappointed either, with a brilliant debut at the Tour Down Under. Henderson’s 3rd overall showed that the team had arrived in style and the Tour of Oman showcased the awesome talent of Edvald Boasson Hagen, with his two stage wins and a 2nd place overall.

No-one is naïve enough to expect that Team SKY will win everything in 2010, but one thing is for certain, a new megateam has been born that will have everyone rethinking their programmes.

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