Russell Downing continues with Team Sky in 2011
English rider Russell Downing has confirmed that he will remain with British outfit Team Sky for the 2011 season, having signed a one-year extension to his contract with the team.
Downing joined Sky ahead of the current season, the team's first after forming in 2009.
“Just before the Tour of Britain, I signed a new one-year contract and I think that situation will suit me because it gives me that pressure to continue to ride well,” the 2009 Tour of Ireland winner told Sky's official website. “I’m not going to rest on
my laurels, I want to keep improving and do my best for Team Sky.”
During his first season at a UCI ProTour team, Downing claimed the fifth stage of the Tour de Wallonie before going on to win the overall classification in the race.
“Last winter, I did worry a bit if I was going to be able to step up psychologically. I've always felt I was capable of riding at ProTour level, and that's always been my goal," Downing said about preparing for his first season at the highest level.
His 2010 season also included a stage victory at the Criterium International, a French two-day event that has been held since 1932.
Withdrew from the Commonwealth Games
Downing was one of the many athletes who chose not to travel to Dehli, India, for the 2010 Commonwealth Games this month.
Like most of the athletes who chose not to compete in the competition, Downing was concerned about the security arrangements for the event, but he also added that his decision to withdraw from the competition was based on his personal priorities ahead of
next season.
"Taking that verdict, not to travel to India, meant the end of my year was a big anti-climax, but it wasn't just the news about the conditions out there, I also had to think about my long term goals and focuses. I know you could say this about any race,
but if anything had happened out there, then it could have put me out of action for a month or so, and that would have impacted massively on my preparations for the start of next season with Team Sky.”
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