Chris Froome extends Team Sky contract to the end of 2018

Team Sky has announced that Chris Froome has extended his contract until the end of 2018. The team has also set out its goals for the coming season and confirmed that it will be using Ford vehicles in place of Jaguar.

Describing Froome as ‘one of the most talented and dedicated riders in the world’ and ‘a fantastic ambassador for the sport,’ Sir Dave Brailsford said Team Sky were proud to have him as team leader. “He is a winner and it is a great boost at the start of the new season that he has committed to stay with the Team to the end of 2018. He is hungry for more success and we will help him achieve it.”

Froome said it was an easy decision to commit to the team.

“Their values are my values and I am proud to ride for a team that has shown that you can win the biggest bike races in the world clean. 2015 was a fantastic year for me both professional and personally and this is a great kick start to 2016. I am more motivated than I have ever been and I have got big targets for this Olympic year. I can't wait to start racing.”

Brailsford also expanded on the team’s ‘2020 Vision’ which was outlined last year.

“By 2020, when we look back on the decade, we want Team Sky to be seen as the most consistent and successful Grand Tour team as well as one that is regularly winning Classics. 2015 was a good year and I am proud of what we achieved together but our appetite for success has never been greater.

“Our focus is always on continuous improvement and what we can do better. We must challenge ourselves every day to push harder for more success in 2016 on and off the bike – and I believe that we have the team that can deliver that. It is a really strong group of riders with the best talent from Britain and abroad. Their different strengths give us real depth and more options.”

He also said that Team Sky would try to play a role in moving the sport forward, working with the UCI and others to push for further reform and to continue to rebuild trust in cycling.

The new partnership with Ford will see the American manufacturer supplying Team Sky with cars and vans for races. "As we embark on our racing programme, Ford's range of vehicles will play a vital role for Team Sky delivering the right car for the right environment as we strive towards even greater success and more race wins in 2016 and beyond," said Brailsford.

Ford Mondeo wagons will be used by sports directors and mechanics, while Kuga sports utility vehicles and S-MAX sports activity vehicles will also be employed.

Here at road.cc we’re a little disappointed that this isn’t the reality…

Sky have unvieled the replacement for the Jag F-Type team car and it's a beaut! pic.twitter.com/yCOnIRpTUa

— Simon Warren (@100Climbs) January 12, 2016