One day before Christmas, the British WorldTour team Sky presented their fans with a gift of a delightful kind. A press release states: "Everyone is looking forward to the 2014 season. But it's a special pleasure for us because we have the most talented team in the world for the coming year."
Rod Ellingworth, the team's performance director, emphasizes that the core of the team remains the same. With the reigning Tour de France winner Chris Froome, the team will try to achieve victory in France again next year.
Kenyan-born Froome, who can look back on his most successful season to date, is also satisfied: "I've had an incredible season and I'm honored to end the year with a contract extension. I've been part of the team since its inception and I know it offers the right environment for me to continuously develop myself."
Froome's salary was not disclosed. In addition to Froome, Peter Kennaugh, David López, Ian Stannard, Luke Rowe, Salvatore Puccio, Sergio Henao, Chris Sutton, Danny Pate and Xabier Zandio also received new contracts. Also joining the team are Sebastian Henao, Nathan Earle, Mikel Nieve and Philip Deignan.