Founding member of Team Sky Rod Ellingworth will leave to join Bahrain-Merida
The world-renowned coach has helped develop Britain’s best talent
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Founding member of Team Sky Rod Ellingworth will be leaving the British outfit for Bahrain-Merida.
Ellingworth, who has been with Sky since their inception in 2010, has been instrumental in the success of many British top-tier riders.
After retiring from his racing career in 1997, Ellingworth coached the likes of Mark Cavendish, Sir Bradley Wiggins and Geraint Thomas.
In a statement released on Friday (April 19), Team Sky said: “Rod Ellingworth will be leaving Team Sky to join Bahrain-Merida from next season.
>>> Inside the medal factory: A look at the British Cycling Academy
“Ellingworth, who was a founder member of the team upon our formation in 2010, informed senior management of his decision earlier this season.
“He will remain with the team for the immediate future to ensure an amicable and smooth transition.
“Everyone at the team thanks Rod for his immense service and contribution during his time with us.
“The team will be making no further comment.”
Ellingworth competed as a professional between 1995 and 1997, before turning his attention to coaching.
The 46-year-old established the British Cycling Academy, based in Tuscany, Italy, which bred some of the most successful names in British cycling.
Mark Cavendish, Geraint Thomas, Ian Stannard, Ben Swift and Peter Kennaugh all went on to ride at the top tier after Ellingworth’s coaching.
>>> Chris Froome to lead Team Sky in final race before name change
He joined Team Sky as a coach and is currently performance director for the outfit.
Bahrain-Merida recently announced that British automotive company McLaren would become a 50 per cent partner in the Middle East-based cycling team.
Cavendish was another Brit rumoured to be in talks with Bahrain-Merida about a possible transfer, but the sprinter eventually extended his contract with Dimension Data instead.
Thank you for reading 10 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
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Remco Evenepoel sends verbal warning to his 'idol' Primož Roglič after quadruple Volta a Catalunya showdown
It's 2-1 to Roglič after a neck-and-neck fight at the Volta a Catalunya, but Evenepoel isn't short of confidence
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
How E3 showed us what Van Aert, Van der Poel and Pogačar need to do to win the Tour of Flanders
Wout van Aert might have won on Friday, but everything could change next Sunday
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Egan Bernal has nose operation to help 'air passage' ahead of 2023
Procedure not thought to be connected to the life-threatening crash which affected Colombian last year
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Tweets of the week: Ineos Grenadiers' three wise men, team jersey déjà vu and World Cup celebrations by bike
Here's our social media round-up, featuring a cycling all-star nativity
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers sign their first female rider
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot reported to be joining new Ineos mountain bike team, alongside Tom Pidcock
By Adam Becket • Last updated
-
Remco Evenepoel transfer to Ineos Grenadiers is ‘too stupid for words’ says Patrick Lefevere
Lefevere revealed he has been laughing at speculation around the new world champion
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers sign unknown 18-year-old Michael Leonard
Canadian is the latest young rider to join the British squad
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers sign 18 year-old time trial and track talent Josh Tarling
The 18-year-old is a two-time Welsh national track champion, and finished second in the 2021 junior worlds time trial
By Ryan Dabbs • Published
-
Ineos set to launch new Kenyan cycling academy with Eliud Kipchoge - the first man to run a marathon under two hours
The multinational chemicals company will work in partnership with Ineos Grenadiers and Eliud Kipchoge
By Ryan Dabbs • Last updated
-
Have you heard the one about why Australian track riders dye their hair blonde? Ineos Grenadiers's Luke Plapp reveals all as he seeks world track and road glory
The Ineos Grenadiers youngster is expected to be one of the peloton's strongest time triallists in the ensuing seasons
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published