Austrian will not follow Cavendish to Omega Pharma-QuickStep
Image 1 of 3
Bernhard Eisel (Sky)(Image credit: Isabelle Duchesne)
Bernhard Eisel (Sky) crashed heavily in the previous day's finale, but is back in action during stage 5.(Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Team Sky on stage at the Tour presentation(Image credit: Elmar Krings)
A day after Mark Cavendish confirmed his departure for Omega Pharma-QuickStep in 2013, Team Sky announced that Bernhard Eisel has extended his contract with the team until the end of the 2015 season.
Cavendish’s closest domestique since their time together in the Team Highroad set-up, Eisel joined Sky with the Manxman last winter but has now opted to stay put rather than follow his erstwhile master to Omega Pharma-QuickStep.
“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.”
While Cavendish’s departure had been widely anticipated since the end of the summer, Eisel’s contract extension means that he is the first rider to be confirmed at Sky for 2013 since it was announced on Wednesday that all riders would have to sign an anti-doping declaration in order to remain at the squad.
Team Sky took the first two spots on the podium at the 2012 Tour de France through Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome, and Eisel said that he was pleased to be a part of the line-up in July.
“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. “I’ve loved taking on a senior role in the squad. Having the chance to advise the younger guys is something I’ve really enjoyed doing, and want to continue doing that over the next three years.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Eisel’s stand-out individual performance came at E3 Harelbeke in March, when he finished third behind Tom Boonen and Oscar Freire in a bunch finish. Winner of Gent-Wevelgem in 2010, the Austrian is hopeful that he might greater scope to pursue his own goals in 2013.
“I’m sure I’ll have more chances to get my first victory for the team, and at the same time I’ll continue doing what I am best at, which is helping other people win,” he said.
