Bernhard Eisel extends with Team Sky for three more years
After the news of Mark Cavendish joining Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step for three years, Team Sky cannot afford losing any more good men.
Just one day after the exit of Cavendish, the team has extended Bernhard Eisel’s contract for three years after his superb efforts as a domestique over the years.
Eisel worked very closely with the Manxman and helped him with his numerous victories previously in Team HTC.
The Austrian marked his professional debut with Team Mapei-Quick Step in 2001 and stayed with the side by the end of 2002 season.
He signed a four-year deal with Team FDJeux.com (2003-06), and joined Cavendish in Team T-Mobile through 2007-12.
Eisel moved to the British side, Team Sky in 2012 along with Mark, and the duo continued the proceeding from where they had left back with the American side.
He was given a one-year contract by David Brailsford initially but the cyclist has now been confirmed his future for at least three years with the team.
“The fact that Mark Cavendish is leaving us made this one of the toughest decisions of my life, and I wouldn’t have stayed if I hadn’t felt absolutely at home here,” Eisel said.
“Mark and I have ridden together since 2007, and he was my only roommate during most of that time”.
“I haven’t just looked after him on the bike, I also regard him as a brother, so it will be strange competing against him in the future”.
Eisel is the first cyclist confirmed by Team Sky for the 2013 season as the team announced that all the riders have to sign an anti-doping declaration to stay with the British outfit.
Team Sky is one of the best World Tour sides and it has emerged as an even stronger team in the 2012 season.
It managed to claim the first two spots at the most prestigious cycling race of the season, the Tour de France 2012 and Eisel was more than happy to stay with a team of that calibre.
“Although I haven’t had a win this season, I’ve had a really enjoyable first year with the team and have been able to contribute to some historic performances,” he said.
The 31-year-old’s only top performances in the current season include a third place finish at the E3 Harelbeke and he is positive to improve his individual results in the coming season.
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