Michael Rogers' exit not connected to the team’s anti-doping policy, Team Sky
Michael Rogers’ exit from Team Sky gave birth to a lot of speculations and the rumour has it that, the Australian left the team because of its strict anti-doping policy.
However, the British team denied all the allegations stating that the cyclist’s departure has nothing to do with his previous links with Dr Michele Ferrari.
"Michael [Rogers] was interviewed at the October training camp, like all riders, and there was no admission or disclosure that required him to leave,” the team statement said.
"He made the decision to join a new team with a new challenge after two years with us, and during that time there have been no doubts about his approach or success with us.
"We thank Michael for his work with Team Sky and wish him well for the next stage of his career".
The 32-year-old started riding professionally with Team Mapei-Quick Step in 2001 and stayed with the team by the end of 2002 season.
He joined Team Quick Step-Davitamon through 2003-05 seasons and moved to Team T-Mobile in 2006.
The cyclist signed a deal with Team Saxo-Tinkoff for the season ahead and will be seen in the Danish team colours for the new season.
Team Sky had a superb 2012 season and topped the UCI World Tour Teams Rankings with a total number of 1767 UCI points to its credit.
Team Katusha (1273points), Team Liquigas-Cannondale (1197 point), Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step (1162 points) and Team Movistar (952 points) secured the second, third, fourth and the fifth positions respectively.
Bradley Wiggins helped the team with the most important victory of the season after he bagged an overall victory at the Tour de France and contributed the maximum number of 601 UCI points.
Christopher Froome, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Rigoberto Uran Uran Michael Rogers added 376, 317, 199 and 194 points respectively.
Leaving a top World Tour team for a side that is still not certain of its World Tour licence was definitely not an easy decision for the Australian but he decided to pledge his future for Bjarne Riis’ team leaving ending his superb two-year trial with David
Brailsford.
Tags: