Team Sky has announced that it is signing two young British riders as stagiaires, giving them the opportunity to gain experience with the 2015 Tour de France-winning team.
Alex Peters, 21, and Tao Geoghegan Hart, 20 – both from London – will start their apprenticeships with Team Sky from August 1, with Alex making his debut appearance at the RideLondon Classic on August 2. Alex will then sign a two-year contract with the team at the start of the 2016 season.
ALEX PETERS – GREAT BRITAIN – age 21
Alex joins from SEG Racing Academy as a stagiaire but will also sign to the team on January 1 2016 on a two-year contract. Recent highlights from Alex’s career include a stage win at the Tour de Bretagne, in addition to second place overall at both the Tour de Normandie and the An Post Ras tour.
TAO GEOGHEGAN HART – GREAT BRITAIN – age 20
Hackney-born Tao joins from Axeon Cycling Team where he has been riding for two years. He has notched impressive performances with Axeon including placing 15th at the 2014 Tour of Britain, 10th at Tour de l’Avenir, and 3rd at the U23 Liege-Bastogne-Liege.
Announcing the new arrivals, 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’ve been watching Alex and Tao progress over the last few years and they’re both showing real promise. It’s a big step in their developing careers and we’re happy that they are taking that step with us."
On signing for Team Sky, Alex Peters said: "Since I’ve signed for the SEG Racing Academy in October last year, things have gone faster than I could ever have expected. Together with the SEG Racing team and the staff, I was able to make the necessary steps in my development to get ready for the World Tour level. It’s been a great learning process and the best education I could have wished for. When I found out that Sir Dave Brailsford and the Team Sky staff were following my career, it made me extremely proud and motivated. 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."
Tao Geoghegan Hart said: "I’m really excited about the opportunity to stagiaire with Team Sky. 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.