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Bernhard Eisel
Austrian Bernhard Eisel joins Team Sky for 2012 and brings with him a unique blend of experience and Classics prowess, not to mention a legendary sense of humour.
One of the most popular men in the peloton, Eisel brings his know-how to the team after 11 seasons as a professional with 12 Grand Tour appearances and an impressive collection of victories.
When unleashed on the Classics Eisel has proven to be a highly consistent campaigner, claiming top-10 finishes at Gent-Wevelgem and Paris-Roubaix in 2011. Gent-Wevelgem in particular is a race that holds special memories for the Austrian after a superb triumph in 2010 when he was part of a late breakaway and then fended off Philippe Gilbert and co to take victory in HTC-Columbia colours. Eisel also bagged a win at Paris-Bourges in 2008.
The wingman of Mark Cavendish, Eisel is often found sacrificing himself to help to shepherd the sprinter through the mountains during the Grand Tours, using his experience to drive along the gruppetto to the stage finish.
He explains: "The biggest thing that attracted me to Team Sky was the structure they have in place and everything that happens behind the scenes. Everything is catered for the riders and I think that’s the perfect way to run a professional cycling team.
"The fact that I wanted to stay with Cav was also a major factor and we’re both happy that we will now have more years ahead of us.
“My main job will be keeping him protected leading into the sprints, but the spring Classics are also very important to me and I’ll be looking to ride well in them. If I can secure a ride in the Tour de France that will be great as well.
“I have ridden the last eight Tours and finished them all, and next year is my 12th season as a professional so I’d like to think I have the experience to be able to contribute to the team.”
