Team Sky finalise 2018 roster with signing of promising Italian Leonardo Basso
Team Sky announce their final signing for the 2018 season, completing their 30-rider roster

Team Sky's 30-rider 2018 roster has been completed with the signing of promising 23-year-old Italian Leonardo Basso.
Basso had a taste of the WorldTour at the end of the 2015 season, when he rode as a stagiaire for Trek-Segafredo. He now joins Team Sky for his first year as a professional rider, and says that he wants to quickly gain experience learning from his team-mates.
"It’s a dream come true to be joining Team Sky," said Basso. "My main objective is to help the team wherever I can. I want to learn about the job and what it means to be a pro bike rider. I want to learn as much as I can from my team-mates and increase my level day by day.
“From watching the team you can see they have a clear focus, they pay attention to equipment and the details that go into cycling. It’s impressive to see the innovation and to now be a part of that.”
>>> Team Sky reveal new white kit for 2018 season
Sky sports director Dario Cioni describes Basso as having potential, particularly in hilly races.
“We’re happy to see Leonardo turn pro with us next year. He’s got potential and we want to see where we can get to working together.
“He’s not a true sprinter but he can survive the punchy climbs and he has the speed to sprint from smaller groups. We’ve seen him pick up some results there in the last few years.
“He’s another good addition to the group of young guys who are developing within the team.”
Basso is one of eight riders who will make their debut in the colours of the British WorldTour team in 2018, along with Jonathan Castroviejo, David de la Cruz, Dylan van Baarle, Egan Bernal, Kristoffer Halvorsen, Chris Lawless and Pavel Sivakov.
Team Sky principal Dave Brailsford said that Basso joins a strong line-up of developing talent as the team: "We are establishing a group of exceptional young riders at Team Sky. I have no doubt they are going to make a big impact and be an important part of our future.
“They have chosen to come to Team Sky because they know that our team is a place where they can best fulfill their potential, achieve their goals and be part of a winning culture.
“I believe the group of home grown and international young talent we are building represents the brightest future we have ever had at Team Sky.”
Team Sky: 2018 roster
Rider | nationality | age
Leonardo Basso | Italy | 23
Egan Bernal | Colombia | 20
Jonathan Castroviejo | Spain | 30
David de la Cruz | Spain | 28
Philip Deignan | Ireland | 34
Jon Dibben | Great Britain | 23
Owain Doull | Great Britain | 24
Kenny Elissonde | France | 26
Chris Froome | Great Britain | 32
Tao Geoghegan Hart | Great Britain | 22
Michal Golas | Poland | 33
Kristoffer Halvorsen | Norway | 21
Sebastian Henao | Colombia | 24
Sergio Henao | Colombia | 29
Benat Intxausti | Spain | 31
Vasil Kiryienka | Belarus | 36
Christian Knees | Germany | 36
Michal Kwiatkowski | Poland | 27
Chris Lawless | Great Britain | 22
David Lopez | Spain | 36
Gianni Moscon | Italy | 23
Wout Poels | Holland | 30
Salvatore Puccio | Italy | 28
Diego Rosa | Italy | 28
Luke Rowe | Great Britain | 27
Pavel Sivakov | Russia | 20
Ian Stannard | Great Britain | 30
Geraint Thomas | Great Britain | 31
Dylan van Baarle | Holland | 25
Lukasz Wisniowski | Poland | 25
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.
-
-
MADE Bike Show outgrows original venue; opens ticket sales
A new handmade bike show is coming to Portland, Oregon, this fall with 200+ builders and brands from the globe over displaying their goods.
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
From doubts to a first pro win: Mikkel Bjerg takes stage four and yellow jersey at Critérium du Dauphiné
Jonas Vingegaard most impressive of general classification contenders on hot day in the Loire
By Adam Becket • Published
-
From drawing to Giro d'Italia in 2 months: How SunGod reinvented Geraint Thomas' iconic sunglasses
The glasses, GTs, have been seen on the Welshman's face throughout his impressive Giro d'Italia run
By Adam Becket • Published
-
21 things you didn't know about Tom Pidcock
According to the man himself, he's never had a hangover. It's alright for some.
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Tao Geoghegan Hart abandons Giro d'Italia after fracturing hip on stage 11
Ineos Grenadiers rider was sitting in third before falling heavily with 69km to go on Wednesday
By Adam Becket • Published
-
Blow to Ineos's Giro d'Italia as Filippo Ganna forced out with Covid-19
Time-triallist and super-domestique Filippo Ganna has had to leave his home Grand Tour due to a Covid-19 positive
By Jack Elton-Walters • Published
-
Complete Giro d'Italia 2023 start list: Who is still in the Grand Tour three days in?
There has not been one abandonment so far in this year's Giro, here's the complete start list
By Adam Becket • Last updated
-
Tao Geoghegan Hart ready for Giro d'Italia after sealing Tour of the Alps victory in Italy
British rider says he will savour his second-ever overall win, before turning his attention towards the fast approaching Italian Grand Tour
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘Just stay calm and relaxed’: Tao Geoghegan Hart one day from second-ever overall victory
Barring major disaster, the Ineos Grenadiers rider will wrap up overall victory at the Tour of the Alps in Brunico on Friday
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
‘I’m not going there as a favourite’ - Tao Geoghegan Hart plays down Giro d’Italia chances despite success
The British rider is two days away from winning the Tour of the Alps, but said he would be just one of many 'pieces in the puzzle' at the Giro
By Tom Thewlis • Published