Ben Swift outlines his early season with new team UAE Abu Dhabi
British sprinter Ben Swift unveils full roster of early-season races in his first year with UAE Abu Dhabi team, including Milan-San Remo
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Ben Swift will kick off his 2017 season at the Tour Down Under in Australia next week, marking his debut for the UAE Abu Dhabi team after seven years with Team Sky.
British sprinter Swift was one of the original riders in Sky's line-up when they made their racing debut in 2010, but decided to switch squads for 2017 to seek new opportunities.
>>> Ben Swift set to leave Team Sky for Lampre in 2017
After the Tour Down Under, Swift says that he will then take part in the Abu Dhabi Tour, Paris-Nice, Milan-San Remo, Tour of the Basque Country, the Ardennes Classics and the Tour de Romandie, adding he will then take "a little break".
Swift was signed by the UAE Abu Dhabi team - formerly known as Lampre-Merida. He brought with him a solid tally of WorldTour points, largely thanks to his second place in the 2016 edition of Milan-San Remo.
The 29-year-old Rotherham rider's runner-up spot behind Frenchman Arnaud Démare (FDJ) in last year's San Remo marked his second appearance on the Monument's podium, having placed third in 2014.
Swift's move from Sky nearly ended in disaster. He was originally signed by the team under its name of TJ Sport, but the squad hit problems when money from Chinese backers failed to materialise - and the UCI did not name the team among those securing a WorldTour ride for 2017.
However, a last-minute deal with the United Arab Emirates saw the team saved and gave it its new name, and a WorldTour place was confirmed.
Former Sky team-mate Luke Rowe was quick to rib Swift about his Twitter announcement regarding his early-season calendar, saying "Brilliant, thanks Ben" and including a GIF of an audience giving a standing ovation.
Swift will race against former Sky team-mates – including Rowe – in the Tour Down Under which runs from January 17-22. He will have an early chance of grabbing a stage win and valuable WorldTour points.
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
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 website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, n exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.
-
-
Boardman SLR 8.6 review - great value but the frame outclasses the components
An affordable and dependable workhorse
By Andy Turner • Published
-
‘It’s not complicated, I can either follow or I can’t’ - Tom Pidcock on his Tour of Flanders chances
Strade Bianche winner believes that his performance on Sunday won't be hampered by recent lack of racing time
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘It’s a good thing and shows progression of the sport’ - Ben Swift hails changes at British Cycling academy
Ineos Grenadier says putting academy riders in with development teams will encourage development of many skills
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Ben Swift: Yorkshire race the hardest Worlds I've done
The British champion finished 31st on a gruelling day at the World Championships
By Richard Windsor • Published
-
Ben Swift: ‘Laying in intensive care, coming back is the last thing on your mind’
Ben Swift has reflected on his undulating fortunes as he is set to lead the men’s road race team at the Yorkshire 2019 World Championships.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
British champion Ben Swift extends contract with Team Ineos
Owain Doull and Chris Lawless also among those give new contracts with the British team
By Richard Windsor • Published
-
Ben Swift optimistic after ‘scary crash’ that left him in intensive care
Ben Swift is optimistic about his recovery after a crash that left him in intensive care not long after he re-joined Team Ineos.
By Alex Ballinger • Published
-
Ben Swift posts photos of injuries from training crash as he is discharged from hospital
Team Sky rider crashed on training ride last week in Tenerife
By Paul Knott • Published
-
Ben Swift recovering after suffering spleen rupture in training crash
Swift hopes to be recovered in time to compete at Milan-San Remo in March
By Gregor Brown • Published
-
Ben Swift ‘missed Team Sky's unity’ as he takes Volta a la Comunitat Valenciana stage two podium
Ben Swift says he missed Team Sky’s unity as he took a podium finish in the Volta a Valenciana stage two sprint.
By Alex Ballinger • Published