Team Sky have officially become Team Ineos to reflect their new sponsor, a chemicals firm owned by Britain's richest man Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
"Equally, cycling continues to mushroom for the general public as it is seen to be good for fitness and health, together with easing congestion and pollution in city environments.Team Sky was launched in January 2010 and has amassed 327 victories since, including the eight Grand Tours. "In Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, I know we have found the right partner whose vision, passion and pioneering spirit can lead us to even greater success on and off the bike. It heralds the start of a hugely exciting new chapter for us all as Team Ineos."
This has been a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for arguably the country's most successful and controversial sports team. From therapeutic use exemptions to 'jiffybags', Sir Jim Ratcliffe will have weighed up the team's various scandals in recent years, but concluded their unprecedented success is worth being associated with.
Environmentalists will also be concerned that Ineos - one of the biggest plastic producers in Europe, with an interest in fracking in the UK - could be investing in the green sport of cycling as a PR tactic.Ineos' takeover secures the immediate futures of Brailsford and Team Sky's riders with contracts beyond the end of this season.
As a fellow Beverley Grammar School ex pupil I wonder if JR will make a BGS/Tour de Yorkshire link?
I don't think so Team Sky. I don't think so Team Ineos. Two reprehensible sponsors for a sport that is trying to clean up its act. It's not happening, is it?
More money please - ok in a Jiffy
That’ll make them even less popular, if that’s actually possible
I doubt they’ll ever get over the line now.
Another ghastly sponsor.
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More chemicals available for Froome then?