Ben Swift to return to Team Sky after stint with UAE Team Emirates

Ben Swift will return to Team Sky for the 2019 season after a two-year stint with the UAE Team Emirates, the British-based team said on Monday.

Swift joined Sky when the team was formed in 2010 but left for the Team Emirates in 2017 in search of more leadership opportunities.

He spent two frustrating seasons marred by injury with the Team Emirates but said he was looking forward to working with a new generation of riders on his return to Team Sky.

"It's a great feeling to be rejoining Team Sky," the 30-year-old said in a statement. "I've still got ambitions and aims for my own career, but I'm also really looking forward to going in and working with the young guys a little bit too.

"There's an incredibly talented crop of young riders coming through and I've got a lot of experience now that I can lend them."

During his previous stint with Team Sky, the Yorkshireman's best results included two podium finishes at Milan–San Remo in 2014 and 2016 as well as a sensational stage win during the 2014 Tour of the Basque Country.

"Ben has got a crucial role to play next season," Team Sky performance manager Rod 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.

"In performance terms, he sits right in the middle of the team and he's such a great team player. His attitude and professionalism sit perfectly in our team."

(With inputs from agencies.)