Swift returning to Team Sky in 2019

Ben Swift will return to Team Sky in 2019, the British WorldTour team have announced.

The Rotherham-born rider joined Sky for their launch in 2010 but has spent the last two seasons with UAE Team Emirates after leaving in 2016.

The 30-year-old said he was excited to be returning to a place where he knows he can fit straight back in.

“It’s a great feeling to be re-joining Team Sky,” Swift said.

“Obviously I know the ins and outs of the team. I feel really comfortable here and it’s a place I’ve grown as a rider.”

Most of Swift’s best results, including podium finishes at Milan-San Remo in 2014 and 2016 – came in Team Sky colours.

His time with the UAE Emirates squad was frustrated by injuries, though he managed fifth place in last year’s road world championships in Bergen, Norway racing for Great Britain.

He will now return to Sky as an experienced head, and the team’s performance manager Rod Ellingworth said they would look to him to mentor their younger riders.

“Ben has got a crucial role to play next season,” Ellingworth said. “He’s not only a fine rider in his own right, but he’s also a superb role model for the younger riders on the team to learn from, as we look to bring through the next generation at Team Sky.”