David de la Cruz confirmed as joining Team Sky from Quick-Step Floors for 2018
Spaniard joins Sky after best season of his professional career
David de la Cruz has become Team Sky's second signing for the 2018 season, joining the British squad after three years at Quick-Step Floors.
In a move announced on the same day as Team Sky's signing of Jonathan Castroviejo from Movistar, De la Cruz will join the British team after the most successful season of his career, which included winning the final stage of Paris-Nice, winning a stage and finishing fourth overall in the Tour of the Basque Country, and finishing third in the recent Vuelta a Burgos.
He also finished seventh in the 2016 Vuelta a España, winning a stage and wearing the red jersey in the process, and will be looking to build on that result in this year's race.
>>> Cycling transfers 2018: All the ins and outs from the WorldTour
"I’m excited to be joining the team," said the 28-year-old. "I’ve really enjoyed my time at Quick-Step but I definitely feel that, at this point in my career, Team Sky is the best place for me to progress and to be the best rider I can be."
"I think the team understand my skills as a rider and what I can offer to the team, so I’m really happy to be joining Team Sky and I am looking forward to this new challenge."
Team Sky coach Xabi Artexte has previously worked with De la Cruz at Caja Rural where he spent the first three years of his professional career.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
>>> Elia Viviani becomes the latest rider to leave Team Sky as he joins Quick-Step Floors for 2018
"De la Cruzis another really versatile rider who can perform a lot of roles, but he climbs very well and he has had some excellent results on really tough mountain stages, like at the Vuelta a Espana and at Paris Nice. I’m sure he will fit straight in at Team Sky," Artexte said.
“He has an interesting story in that he didn’t start in bike riding until quite late. His progression has been fast and his talent has always been obvious. He is an excellent signing for us.
“His performances and results have been improving every year and there is definitely room for him to keep progressing with Team Sky.”
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
-
Freezing, wet and freezing, and non-existent: when cycling's weather gods don't play ball
This year's La Flèche Wallonne was tough – but there are others to match it
By James Shrubsall Published
-
Are pockets on the Specialized Men's Prime SWAT Bib Shorts worth parting with extra cash? Perhaps
Pockets come at a premium, but these are a treat to wear if they meet your budget
By Sam Jones Published
-
'It was time to change': No regrets for Rod Ellingworth after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
New Tour of Britain race director says he is still on good terms with Dave Brailsford after resigning from team last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I’m just here to enjoy it': Tom Pidcock on his surprise Paris-Roubaix appearance
British rider was a late addition to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the race across the pavé
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The art of peaking with Geraint Thomas: 'It’s easy to take for granted that 9 times out of 10 I hit my goals'
The Welshman also calls for better governance in the sport to help it grow further
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers delighted with Egan Bernal’s late cameo on stage one of Paris-Nice
Colombian snapped up key bonus seconds in the general classification battle on run in to Les Mureaux
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘It doesn’t change anything’ - Tom Pidcock’s coach on Tadej Pogačar at Strade Bianche
Kurt Bogaerts says the pressure is off for Pidcock as he looks to defend the title he emphatically won last year
By Tom Thewlis Published