Tosatto signs on as Team Sky directeur sportif - News shorts

Tosatto joins Team Sky as DS

Italian Matteo Tosatto has been hired by Team Sky as a directeur sportif, and will be quickly put to work at the Tour de Pologne, which starts tomorrow.

Tosatto began his career with the Ballan squad in 1998, and spent six seasons with Fassa Bortolo, five with Quick-Step and six seasons with Saxo Bank/Tinkoff. His major victories include one stage win each in the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France (2001, 2006, respectively) and a stage of Paris-Nice. Over his career he competed in 34 Grand Tours and 53 Monuments. The 43-year-old ended his racing career after the Tinkoff team disbanded, having been unable to find another contract.

"Originally I had hoped to continue riding for one more year, but in the end it became clear that this was the time to stop and try something new," Tosatto said to TeamSky.com. "I was working at the Giro d'Italia for Pinarello and it was there that I was able to speak to Dave Brailsford a few times, and we had some conversations about working together.

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"My first experience with the team was at the Route du Sud in June where I was able to spend some time in the car to see how the team operates. Then after that I spent two weeks at the team's training camp in Livigno with 14 riders. That was fantastic and I really look forward to working with young riders and helping them to develop. I hope with my experience I can help them to reach their objectives."

Tosatto will start at Tour de Pologne as second directeur sportif to Gabriel Rasch to gain experience.

"My first impressions of the team are that it's a really incredible group and the detail and organisation is very impressive. To be able to work for the best team in the world is a great feeling. Naturally I'm very excited to go to my first race as a Sport Director and this is the best opportunity for me after my career as a pro cyclist."

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