Two more backers for Team Sky
Sky Italia and News Corporation have joined Team Sky as investors of the ProTour squad backed by British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) and managed by David Brailsford.
Sky Italia is, as the name suggests, the Italian version of the satellite broadcaster, and signals the British-based squad's intent on bringing the team to a global audience. Three Italian riders feature on the team's roster - Davide Vigano, Dario Cioni and Morris Possoni.
News Corporation is a global media company founded by Rupert Murdoch specialising in news, sport and entertainment, and includes British newspapers the Sun and the Times as well as television broadcasters Sky and Sky Italia.
"We have the perfect partners backing this team and welcome Sky Italia and News Corporation on board," said Robert Tansey, Chair of the Sky Pro Cycling Board and Brand Marketing Director of BSkyB.
"Italy has a great heritage in road cycling, through its riders and manufacturers, and that is already reflected in our team. They have a real passion for the sport and we're delighted that Sky Italia has joined us."
"News Corporation is a leading broadcaster in sport globally and brings a huge range of skills and experience."
Team Sky makes its professional debut at the opening event in the 2010 ProTour calendar, the Tour Down Under in Australia, on January 19. The squad was awarded a four-year ProTour licence by the Union Cycliste Internationale.
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Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the web