2011 Team Sky season

February 2020 February 2012 Team Sky 2011 yes SKY UCI WorldTeam 2nd (1069 points) Dave Brailsford BSkyB United Kingdom Pinarello Shimano 3 5 21 3 Ben Swift, Edvald Boasson Hagen (5 wins each) Bradley Wiggins (9th) 2010 2012 The 2011 season for the SKY 2011 cycling team began in January at the Bay Classic Series and ended in October at the Noosa Grand Prix. As a UCI ProTeam, they were automatically invited and obligated to send a squad to every event in the UCI World Tour. Improving upon 20 victories in the 2010 season, Team Sky managed 28 victories during the season, including four Grand Tour stage wins, two each at the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. Also at the Vuelta, the team achieved their best Grand Tour showing to date with Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins finishing the race in second and third places – behind GEO 2011's Juan José Cobo – having both held the red jersey for the general classification lead at some stage of the race. Outside of the Grand Tours, the team achieved stage victories at four other World Tour events and the overall victory at two, with Wiggins winning the pre-Tour warmup event, the Critérium du Dauphiné and Edvald Boasson Hagen claimed victory at the Eneco Tour held in Belgium and the Netherlands. The team were not as successful in single-day races, with three wins taken by Christopher Sutton, Boasson Hagen and Mathew Hayman. With the performances of Froome, Wiggins and Boasson Hagen, Team Sky made a substantial leap up the World Tour rankings; having finished fifteenth in the 2010 UCI World Ranking, Team Sky finished as runners-up in the 2011 rankings, just 40 points behind overall winners OLO 2011.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gilbert-omega-pharma-lotto-and-spain-claim-worldtour-titles Gilbert, Omega Pharma-Lotto and Spain claim WorldTour titles 17 October 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2 December 2011 On 13 June 2019, the sport's governing body, the Union Cycliste International (UCI), announced that Juan José Cobo had been found guilty of an anti-doping violation, according to findings from his biological passport. As a result, the UCI penalised him with a three-year period of ineligibility. Cobo was officially stripped of the title on 18 June 2019.Juan José Cobo has been stripped of his 2011 Vuelta a España title after being found guilty of doping https://www.cyclingweekly.com/news/racing/vuelta-a-espana/juan-jose-cobo-stripped-2011-vuelta-espana-title-found-guilty-doping-427599 cyclingnews.com 18 June 2019 18 June 2019 On 17 July 2019, as the time for Cobo to appeal the decision expired with no application, the UCI announced it recognised Chris Froome as the 2011 champion, making him retroactively the first Briton to win a Grand Tour, and simultaneously promoting Bradley Wiggins to 2nd place.Froome is recognised as 2011 champion. from as.com 2011 roster Ages as of 1 January 2011. Davide Appollonio ITA yes 2011 1 1 1989 6 2 Kurt Asle Arvesen NOR yes 2011 1 1 1975 2 9 John-Lee Augustyn RSA yes 2011 1 1 1986 8 10 Michael Barry CAN yes 2011 1 1 1975 12 18 Edvald Boasson Hagen NOR yes 2011 1 1 1987 5 17 Kjell Carlström FIN yes 2011 1 1 1976 10 18 Dario Cioni ITA yes 2011 1 1 1974 12 2 Steve Cummings GBR yes 2011 1 1 1981 3 19 Russell Downing GBR yes 2011 1 1 1978 8 23 Alex Dowsett GBR yes 2011 1 1 1988 10 3 Juan Antonio Flecha ESP yes 2011 1 1 1977 9 17 Chris Froome GBR yes 2011 1 1 1985 5 20 Simon Gerrans AUS yes 2011 1 1 1980 5 16 Mathew Hayman AUS yes 2011 1 1 1978 4 20 Greg Henderson NZL yes 2011 1 1 1976 10 9 Jeremy Hunt GBR yes 2011 1 1 1974 3 12 Peter Kennaugh GBR yes 2011 1 1 1989 6 15 Christian Knees GER yes 2011 1 1 1981 3 5 Thomas Löfkvist SWE yes 2011 1 1 1984 4 4 Lars Petter Nordhaug NOR yes 2011 1 1 1984 5 14 Serge Pauwels BEL yes 2011 1 1 1983 11 21 Morris Possoni ITA yes 2011 1 1 1984 7 1 Michael Rogers AUS yes 2011 1 1 1979 12 20 Ian Stannard GBR yes 2011 1 1 1987 5 25 Chris Sutton AUS yes 2011 1 1 1984 9 10 Ben Swift GBR yes 2011 1 1 1987 11 5 Geraint Thomas GBR yes 2011 1 1 1986 5 25 Rigoberto Urán COL yes 2011 1 1 1987 1 26 Bradley Wiggins GBR yes 2011 1 1 1980 04 28 Xabier Zandio ESP yes 2011 1 1 1977 3 17 Riders who joined the team for the 2011 season Rider2010 teamAlex Dowsetthttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/team-sky-sign-dowsett-uran-and-zandio Stephen Farrand Team Sky sign Dowsett, Urán and Zandio Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 28 September 2010 19 January 2011Trek-LivestrongRigoberto UránGCE 2010Xabier ZandioGCE 2010Jeremy Hunthttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/team-sky-signs-appollonio-and-hunt Stephen Farrand Team Sky signs Appollonio and Hunt Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 October 2010 19 January 2011CTT 2010Davide AppollonioCTT 2010Michael Rogershttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/rogers-signs-two-year-deal-with-sky Daniel Benson Rogers signs two-year deal with Sky Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 1 November 2010 19 January 2011THR 2010Christian Kneeshttp://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/512037/german-champ-knees-joins-team-sky.html Nigel Wynn German champ Knees joins Team Sky Cycling Weekly IPC Media 7 January 2011 19 January 2011MRM 2010 Riders who left the team during or after the 2010 season Rider2011 teamSylvain Calzatihttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/calzati-and-portal-to-leave-team-sky Stephen Farrand Calzati and Portal to leave Team Sky Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 5 October 2010 19 January 2011FST 2011Nicolas PortalRetiredDavide Viganòhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/luxembourg-pro-cycling-snaps-up-bennati-and-vigano Luxembourg Pro Cycling snaps up Bennati and Viganò Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 20 October 2010 19 January 2011LEO 2011 One-day races Spring classics thumb|right|Christopher Sutton, pictured later in the year at the Tour de Romandie, became the first Australian rider to win Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne. The team's first single-day race of the year was Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in February, where Flecha had tasted success in 2010. Prior to the race, Flecha stated that it would be difficult for him to win the race again, but felt that the team was in a good position to aid him along the way.Nick Howes http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,20435_6775448,00.html Flecha set for title defence 24 February 2011 SKY 2011 BSkyB 4 December 2011 In the race, following an earlier attack from former RAB 2010 team-mate Sebastian Langeveld, Flecha attacked from the chasing group with 30 km 1 left, on the Paddestraat, having trailed Langeveld by over a minute on the road. Flecha caught him halfway to the finish,http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/27022011/58/langeveld-pips-flecha-ghent.html Langeveld pips Flecha in Ghent Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group 26 February 2011 4 December 2011 Lee Walker and the two worked together on the run into Ghent, in order to stay clear. Flecha tried to gap Langeveld with 5 km 1 left, but could not sustain a big enough margin to get clear. The two riders contested the sprint in the wet conditions, and Langeveld just got the better of Flecha on the line, winning by 10 cm in.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/66th-omloop-het-nieuwsblad-elite-1-hc/results Langeveld wins Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 26 February 2011 4 December 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited Brecht Decaluwéhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/flecha-falls-10cm-short-for-repeat-win Flecha falls 10cm short for repeat win 27 February 2011 4 December 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited Brecht Decaluwé Hayman made it two Team Sky riders on the podium, as he finished the best of the chasing group, in third place. Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne, held the next day, resulted in the team's first single-day win of the year. Flecha and Stannard tried to break the field with around 70 km 1 left in the race, but were eventually pulled back as were several other riders down the road from their group. After several further attempts by riders to gain breathing space from the field, it was left for a sprint finish to decide the winner of the race. Flecha pulled on the front to set up one of their sprinters in the race, Boasson Hagen or Sutton, and when Flecha stepped aside, it was left to Boasson Hagen to build the pace and released Sutton to the line, who won by almost a bike length.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/kuurne-brussel-kuurne-1-1/results Sutton wins Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne 27 February 2011 4 December 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limitedhttp://velonews.competitor.com/2011/02/news/skys-chris-sutton-wins-kuurne-brussels-kuurne_161889 Sky's Chris Sutton wins Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne 27 February 2011 4 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. In March, Thomas put in a strong performance in Dwars door Vlaanderen; with 20 km 1 left in the race, Thomas and SBS 2011's Nick Nuyens attacked off the front of the peloton to catch up with the leaders on the road, LAN 2011's Frédéric Amorison and Rob Goris of VWA 2011. Nuyens and Thomas later dropped the pair and contested the sprint finish between them, with Nuyens taking the victory.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/520050/thomas-second-in-dwars-door-vlaanderen-as-nuyens-wins.html Nigel Wynn Thomas second in Dwars door Vlaanderen as Nuyens wins Cycling Weekly IPC Media 23 March 2011 4 December 2011 April started with another top-ten finish in the second of the Cobbled classics, as Thomas finished tenth in the Tour of Flanders,http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-flanders-upt/results Nuyens makes his big break through 3 April 2011 Cycling News Brecht Decaluwé 4 December 2011 Future Publishing Limited having bridged up to the lead group prior to the final climb of the race, the cobbled Bosberg hill, 10 km 1 from the finish in Meerbeke. The following weekend, Flecha finished in ninth place at Paris–Roubaix, leading home team-mate Hayman, 47 seconds down on race-winner Johan Vansummeren of GRM 2011.http://www.cyclingnews.com/paris-roubaix/results Van Summeren solos to gutsy victory at Paris-Roubaix 10 April 2011 Cycling News Brecht Decaluwé 4 December 2011 Future Publishing Limited dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130410122654/http://www.cyclingnews.com/paris-roubaix/results 10 April 2013 The Amstel Gold Race was next up, and the team were aiming to ride for Gerrans and Nordhaug.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/8147/Gerrans-co-leader-of-Sky-Procycling-will-give-Amstel-Gold-100.aspx Gerrans co-leader of Sky Procycling, will give Amstel Gold 100% 17 April 2011 VeloNation Conal Andrews 5 December 2011 VeloNation LLC Gerrans did indeed feature in the closing stages of the race, but only for third place as OLO 2011's Philippe Gilbert and KAT 2011 rider Joaquim Rodríguez had already accelerated away from the field.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/amstel-gold-race-upt/results Gilbert repeats at Amstel Gold Race Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 17 April 2011 5 December 2011 Urán placed best for the team at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, finishing in fifth place.http://www.cyclingnews.com/liege-bastogne-liege/results Gilbert the great! Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 24 April 2011 5 December 2011 Brecht Decaluwé dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120110164412/http://www.cyclingnews.com/liege-bastogne-liege/results 10 January 2012 The team also sent squads to Milan–San Remo, Gent–Wevelgem, the Scheldeprijs, and La Flèche Wallonne, but placed no higher than 19th in any of these races. Autumn races thumb|upright|Rigoberto Urán, pictured during the Critérium du Dauphiné, placed in the top ten in three single-day races during the second half of the season, and finished 19th at the Giro di Lombardia. Shortly after the Tour de France, Urán finished within the lead group at the Clásica de San Sebastián, where he placed ninth.Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/clasica-ciclista-san-sebastian-upt/results Gilbert's stunning season continues with San Sebastian victory 30 July 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 5 December 2011 In August, Boasson Hagen tasted success in Germany, by winning the Vattenfall Cyclassics; Boasson Hagen attacked from 250 m out,http://www.skysports.com/story/0,,15264_7116423,00.html Jonathan Turner Boasson Hagen bosses rivals Sky Sports BSkyB 21 August 2011 5 December 2011 and held off Gerald Ciolek, who took second place for QST 2011, while Borut Božič completed the podium for VAC 2011.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/8714384/Team-Sky-registers-wins-in-Vuelta-a-Espana-and-Vattenfall-Cyclassics-in-Hamburg.html Brendan Gallagher Team Sky registers wins in Vuelta a España and Vattenfall Cyclassics in Hamburg The Daily Telegraph 21 August 2011 5 December 2011 The following week, at the GP Ouest-France, Gerrans finished second behind LAM 2011's Grega Bole, after Bole had attacked the field within the final 2 km 1 of the race.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/gp-ouest-france-plouay-upt-2/results Bole sprints to win in Plouay Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 28 August 2011 5 December 2011 For the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec, Sky looked to control the race in order to protect Urán, Gerrans and Boasson Hagen.Jonathan Turner http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,22900_7166354,00.html Uran on podium in Canada 11 September 2011 SKY 2011 BSkyB 5 December 2011 Urán did eventually feature in the race's closing stages; he made it into a ten-man lead group, and when RAB 2011 yes's Robert Gesink attacked with 5 km 1 left, Urán went with him but both riders were closed down quickly. Philippe Gilbert then attacked the group again and eventually beat Gesink to the line, with Urán completing the podium, nine seconds behind the pair.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/grand-prix-cycliste-de-quebec-upt-1/results Kirsten Frattini Gilbert triumphs in GP Quebec City 9 September 2011 Cycling News 5 December 2011 Future Publishing Limited In October, Gerrans and Nordhaug both took top ten placements in the Coppa Sabatini race in Tuscany, which also saw Urán make an error by mistakenly believing that he had won the race, when there was still another lap of the circuit to be completed.Richard Simpson http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,23171_7228184,00.html Gerrans fifth in Tuscany 9 October 2011 SKY 2011 BSkyB 5 December 2011 The same day, in France, Hayman won the Paris–Bourges event in a sprint finish, having been in a breakaway from 15 km 1 into the 190.4 km 1 race.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/paris-bourges-1-1-1/results Hayman tops sprint for Paris-Bourges win 6 October 2011 Cycling News 5 December 2011 Future Publishing Limited Two other Team Sky riders finished in the top ten, as Henderson finished third behind SBS 2011 yes rider Baden Cooke, while Sutton finished in tenth position, the last rider to finish in the same time as Hayman, who claimed his first victory since the 2006 Commonwealth Games.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/haymans-paris-bourges-win-the-first-in-five-years Hayman's Paris-Bourges win the first in five years 7 October 2011 Cycling News 5 December 2011 Future Publishing Limited Urán took another third-place finish, in the Giro dell'Emilia, coming home in a group of four riders, over 20 seconds behind race-winner Carlos Betancur of ASA 2011.http://english.gazzetta.it/More_sports/08-10-2011/betancur-king-of-emilia-803217761415.shtml Betancur king of Emilia 9 October 2011 La Gazzetta dello Sport 5 December 2011 RCS MediaGroup https://web.archive.org/web/20120107054434/http://english.gazzetta.it/More_sports/08-10-2011/betancur-king-of-emilia-803217761415.shtml 7 January 2012 dead The next day, at Paris–Tours, Stannard made several aggressive attacks before the race had reached Tours, but could not react to a joint move by Marco Marcato of VCD 2011 yes and BMC 2011 rider Greg Van Avermaet, who contested the top two places at the finish. Stannard attacked in the final 2 km 1 but could only finish fourth in the end, just behind SBS 2011 yes's Kasper Klostergaard.Jonathan Turner http://www1.skysports.com/cycling/news/17545/7232571/Stannard-to-fore-in-Tours Stannard to fore in Tours 16 October 2011 SKY 2011 BSkyB 5 December 2011 The team's year was concluded by a tenth-place finish by Löfkvist at the Giro del Piemonte,http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-del-piemonte-1-hc-1/results Moreno wins Gran Piemonte 13 October 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 5 December 2011 and third-place finishes for Dowsett at the Chrono des Nations,http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/10113/Tony-Martin-still-going-strongly-wins-Chrono-des-Nations.aspx Tony Martin still going strongly, wins Chrono des Nations 16 October 2011 VeloNation Bjorn Haake 5 December 2011 VeloNation LLC and Sutton at the Noosa Grand Prix.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/noosa-grand-prix-2011/elite-men/results Haussler rounds out season with a win 29 October 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 5 December 2011 The team also sent squads to the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal, the Gran Premio Bruno Beghelli, and the Giro di Lombardia, but placed no higher than 15th in any of these races. Stage races thumb|upright|Ben Swift, pictured at the Tour de Romandie in April, won the most stages for the team in 2011, winning five in total, including three during World Tour races. At the Tour Down Under in January, Swift took the team's first win of the season in the second stage into Mannum. Swift avoided two crashes within the closing 3 km 1, which saw several of his team-mates fall, to out-sprint Australian pair Robbie McEwen (RSH 2011) and Graeme Brown (RAB 2011 yes) to the line.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/santos-tour-down-under-upt-1/stage-2/results Swift shifts into top gear 19 January 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 5 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110122104514/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/santos-tour-down-under-upt-1/stage-2/results 22 January 2011 dead After two further top-ten placings on the fourth and fifth stages, Swift claimed his second stage victory on the final stage, a circuit race in Adelaide. Within the closing stages, the team set up a perfectly executed sprint lead-out for Swift, and also Henderson; the two riders completed a 1–2 finish, and with ten bonus seconds on offer on the line for the stage winner, Swift moved from sixth place to an eventual third-place finish in the general classification.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jan/23/tour-down-under-ben-swift The Guardian 23 January 2011 5 December 2011 Press Association Cameron Meyer wins Tour Down Under as Ben Swift takes final stagehttp://www.iol.co.za/sport/cycling/meyer-wins-armstrong-bows-out-1.1015712 Independent Online Independent News & Media 23 January 2011 5 December 2011 SAPA-AFP Meyer wins, Armstrong bows out February's Volta ao Algarve resulted in Cummings taking a stage win on the third stage,http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/516713/cummings-wins-stage-three-of-tour-of-the-algarve.html Nigel Wynn Cummings wins stage three of Tour of the Algarve Cycling Weekly IPC Media 18 February 2011 6 December 2011 a mountain-top finish at the Alto do Malhão; having been a part of five-man sprint to the line, Cummings got the better of THR 2011's Tejay van Garderen and SBS 2011 yes rider Alberto Contador – only competing in the race after being cleared of doping charges the day before the race – and moved into the race lead, holding an advantage of six seconds over Contador.Peter Hymas http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/volta-ao-algarve-2-1-1/stage-3/results Cummings prevails on Alto do Malhão 18 February 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 6 December 2011 He held the lead until the final day time-trial, where he finished over a minute down on the quickest time and fell to seventh place in the general classification.Susan Westemeyer http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/volta-ao-algarve-2-1-1/stage-5/results Martin takes stage and overall title 20 February 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 6 December 2011 Henderson won a stage at Paris–Nice in March, taking the second stage into Amilly, in a sprint finish after a lead-out from Thomas.Stephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/paris-nice/stage-2/results Henderson sprints to victory 7 March 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 6 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20130307110526/http://www.cyclingnews.com/paris-nice/stage-2/results 7 March 2013 dead Wiggins finished the event third overall, after taking the same place on the sixth stage time trial.https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/other_sports/cycling/9423659.stm BBC Sport BBC 13 March 2011 7 December 2011 Bradley Wiggins finishes third in Paris-Nice race Swift continued his strong run at the Vuelta a Castilla y León in April, where he won the final stage of the race after help from Downing, to take his third win of the season.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/8149/Vuelta-a-Castilla-y-Leon-Swift-powers-to-final-stage-win-Tondo-takes-overall.aspx Swift powers to final stage win, Tondo takes overall 17 April 2011 VeloNation 6 December 2011 VeloNation LLC Swift repeated the feat a fortnight later at a World Tour event, as he won the final stage of the Tour de Romandie in Geneva.http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/05/news/cadel-evans-wraps-up-tour-de-romandie-as-ben-swift-takes-final-stage_170736 John Wilcockson Cadel Evans wraps up Tour de Romandie as Ben Swift takes final stage 1 May 2011 6 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. Following on from that success, the team took two more stage wins in the Tour of California, held later in May. After stage one was cancelled due to a snowstorm and unsafe riding conditions,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/tour-of-california-stage-1-cancelled Daniel Benson Laura Weislo Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 15 May 2011 6 December 2011 Stage 1 cancelled the second stage was run over a shorter distance, and rain started to fall as the race headed into the finishing circuit in Sacramento, where the team came to the front to assume control for the in-form Swift; he was favored instead of the team's regular sprinter Henderson, who had not raced since the Scheldeprijs in early April,https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/8518089/Tour-of-California-2011-Team-Skys-Ben-Swift-outsprints-world-class-field-Sacramento-to-take-leaders-jersey.html Brendan Gallagher The Daily Telegraph 17 May 2011 6 December 2011 Team Sky's Ben Swift outsprints world-class field Sacramento to take leader's jersey but Henderson was utilised as the leadout man for Swift, and released him to his fifth victory of 2011, securing the first yellow and green jerseys – for the lead of both the general classification and the sprints classification – of the race.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/6th-amgen-tour-of-california-2-hc/stage-2/results Jen See Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 17 May 2011 6 December 2011 Swift success in Sacramento https://web.archive.org/web/20110623145516/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/6th-amgen-tour-of-california-2-hc/stage-2/results 23 June 2011 dead The following day, it was Henderson's turn to win a stage, although not in the manner that he had been accustomed to. Henderson led the sprint from 500 m out, but Swift was not in a position to challenge for the sprint, so it was left to Henderson to bring home the laurels for the team, winning the sprint by a bike length, and assuming the race lead on countback from Swift.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/6th-amgen-tour-of-california-2-hc/stage-3/results Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 17 May 2011 6 December 2011 Henderson brings Team Sky its second victory in California Jen See https://web.archive.org/web/20110623145352/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/6th-amgen-tour-of-california-2-hc/stage-3/results 23 June 2011 dead Henderson surrendered the race lead on the mountainous fourth stage, however, but both he and Swift took further third place stage finishes before the Tour was complete. thumb|left|upright|Geraint Thomas, pictured in the British national road race champion's jersey at the Critérium du Dauphiné, claimed his first overall stage race victory, at the Bayern-Rundfahrt. At the end of May, the team also had a successful outing in the Bayern-Rundfahrt, held in Bavaria, Germany. In stage one, Boasson Hagen took his first victory of the season after a lead-out by Sutton, and won the race's longest stage – over a distance of 223.2 km 1 – since its inception.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/bayern-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-1/results Susan Westemeyer Boasson Hagen sprints to win in Bayern opening stage 25 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 6 December 2011 Boasson Hagen retained his overall lead with third place in stage two,http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/bayern-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-2/results Degenkolb tops stage two sprint 26 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 6 December 2011 but lost it to THR 2011 yes rider Michael Albasini after the third stage, which Albasini won ahead of Thomas – after the pair, along with six other riders made a breakaway – with Thomas moving into second place overall.http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,21249_6955013,00.html Thomas second in Bavaria 28 May 2011 SKY 2011 BSkyB 6 December 2011 9 November 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111109194750/http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,21249_6955013,00.html dead In the penultimate stage time-trial, Wiggins comfortably won the stage; his margin over world champion Fabian Cancellara (LEO 2011) was 32 seconds. Boasson Hagen finished third, 45 seconds slower than Wiggins, and Thomas took the overall lead with a fifth-place finish.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/8544063/Bayern-Rundfahrt-stellar-day-for-Team-Sky-as-Bradley-Wiggins-beats-Fabien-Cancellara-and-Geraint-Thomas-heads-GC.html Brendan Gallagher The Daily Telegraph 28 May 2011 6 December 2011 Stellar day for Team Sky as Bradley Wiggins beats Fabian Cancellara and Geraint Thomas heads GC Thomas confirmed his first overall stage race win, with an eleventh-place finish on the final stage.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/527271/thomas-wins-bayern-rundfahrt-overall.html Nigel Wynn Thomas wins Bayern Rundfahrt overall Cycling Weekly IPC Media 29 May 2011 6 December 2011 Boasson Hagen took third place on the stage, and also won the sprints classification, with the squad winning the teams classification by over two minutes.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/bayern-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-5/results Susan Westemeyer Thomas triumphs at Bayern-Rundfahrt 29 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 6 December 2011 thumb|right|upright|Bradley Wiggins took his biggest road racing career victory at the time by winning the Critérium du Dauphiné. Here he is being paced by Edvald Boasson Hagen. Appollonio took his first victory as a professional during June's Tour de Luxembourg, winning a bunch sprint into Roost.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/71st-skoda-tour-de-luxembourg-2-hc/stage-3/results Appollonio tops bunch sprint in Roost 4 June 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 6 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110902071627/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/71st-skoda-tour-de-luxembourg-2-hc/stage-3/results 2 September 2011 dead A fifth-place finish the following day, on the final stage, ensured that Appollonio won the points classification, taking the jersey from KAT 2011 rider Denis Galimzyanov.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/71st-skoda-tour-de-luxembourg-2-hc/stage-4/results Feillu finally gets his win 5 June 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 6 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110902082708/http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/71st-skoda-tour-de-luxembourg-2-hc/stage-4/results 2 September 2011 dead Consistent finishing from Wiggins at the Critérium du Dauphiné earned the team their first overall race win at World Tour level. After finishing third in the opening prologue, Wiggins placed second behind Tony Martin (THR 2011 yes) on the third stage time trial, held over the course that would later be used for the penultimate day time-trial of the Tour de France, to take the overall lead by over a minute from nearest challenger, BMC 2011 yes's Cadel Evans.http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/06/news/tony-martin-wins-dauphine-time-trial-wiggins-takes-lead_177660 Tony Martin wins Dauphine time trial, Wiggins takes lead 8 June 2011 6 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 8 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110908113256/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/06/news/tony-martin-wins-dauphine-time-trial-wiggins-takes-lead_177660 dead Wiggins took sixth-place finishes on stages 5 and 6, and with a tenth place on the final stage, secured the overall win by 86 seconds ahead of Evans.http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/12062011/58/wiggins-completes-dauphine-victory.html Wiggins completes Dauphine victory Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group 12 June 2011 6 December 2011 Reuters Boasson Hagen also added World Tour points with third behind Wiggins in the time trial, and second to THR 2011 yes rider John Degenkolb on stage 4.http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/06/news/john-degenkolb-powers-to-another-dauphine-stage-win_177729 John Degenkolb powers to another Dauphiné stage win 9 June 2011 6 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. Kennaugh added a third place overall finish a few days later, at the Route du Sud.http://www.routedusud.fr/Etape4_2011.pdf 35ème Route du Sud la Dépêche du Midi: 4ème étape Izaourt – Pau 19 June 2011 Route du Sud 6 December 2011 Fédération Française de Cyclisme https://web.archive.org/web/20110708064059/http://www.routedusud.fr/Etape4_2011.pdf 8 July 2011 dead In July's Tour of Austria, Sutton placed second to RSH 2011's Robert Hunter on the opening stage.http://www1.skysports.com/cycling/news/15264/7016472/ Hunter takes Austria opener Sky Sports BSkyB 3 July 2011 6 December 2011 Stannard sprinted to his first professional victory in stage 5, beating out his other four breakaway companions.http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11061_7024889,00.html Stannard sprints to first win Sky Sports BSkyB 7 July 2011 6 December 2011 Possoni took two seventh places during the race, and eventually finished in that position overall.http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,21643_7031080,00.html Possoni seventh in Austria 12 July 2011 SKY 2011 BSkyB 6 December 2011 Gerrans performed strongly in the Danmark Rundt in August, finishing second to LEO 2011 yes rider Jakob Fuglsang on the third stage.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-denmark-2-hc/stage-3/results Fuglsang grabs Vejle victory 5 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 6 December 2011 Gerrans maintained his advantage until the end of the race, eventually winning by nine seconds over Fuglsang's team-mate Daniele Bennati, while the squad won the teams classification.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-denmark-2-hc/stage-6/results Stephen Farrand Gerrans seals overall victory 7 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 6 December 2011 thumb|left|upright|Edvald Boasson Hagen, pictured at the Critérium du Dauphiné, claimed his second Eneco Tour victory in three years, in 2011. The Eneco Tour later in August also resulted in success for the team. Boasson Hagen finished the opening prologue stage in second place, with only BMC 2011 yes rider Taylor Phinney getting the better of him over the 5.7 km 1 course.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/529637/phinney-takes-eneco-prologue-millar-and-thomas-in-top-10.html Nick Bull Phinney takes Eneco prologue; Millar and Thomas in top 10 Cycling Weekly IPC Media 8 August 2011 7 December 2011 Boasson Hagen finished the next two stages in sixth and third places respectively, but could not close on Phinney, as he himself finished in the top ten – within the main field sprint – on both occasions. Two ninth-place finishes followed, the second of which coming during the time trial stage in Roermond to help him overhaul Philippe Gilbert for the race lead, with two stages remaining.http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,17559_7095744,00.html Edvald moves into Eneco lead 13 August 2011 SKY 2011 BSkyB 7 December 2011 Boasson Hagen held the lead to the end of the race, and won the final stage of the event in Sittard, to take a 22-second victory over Gilbert.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/eneco-tour-upt-2/stage-6/results Boasson Hagen takes final stage victory 14 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 He also played a prominent part in the other classifications, as his six top-ten placings over the week earned him victory in the points classification,http://www1.skysports.com/cycling/news/15264/7101275/Clean-sweep-for-Boasson-Hagen Sky Sports BSkyB 14 August 2011 7 December 2011 Clean sweep for Boasson Hagen Jonathan Turner while his overall triumph also meant victory in the young rider classification. The squad provisionally won the teams classification on-the-road, but an eventual protest from RSH 2011 yes general manager Dirk Demol, resulted in RadioShack winning the classification on time trial timings.http://www.livestrong.com/teamradioshack/news_its-teams-win-the-shack/ RSH 2011 Livestrong 14 August 2011 7 December 2011 It's a TEAMS Win for The Shack Cathy Mehl In the Tour du Poitou-Charentes, the week following the Eneco Tour, Appollonio earned his second victory in a first stage sprint finish; with the team having upped the pace during the closing stages, Dowsett, Kennaugh – who had been in a breakaway earlier in the day – and Henderson enabled Appollonio to contend for the sprint, winning by a comfortable margin, with only eleven other riders finishing in the same time.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-du-poitou-charentes-2-1/stage-1/results Appollonio tops Chavanel in opening stage sprint 23 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 The team book-ended the race as Dowsett earned the victory in the final stage of the race, soloing away from the peloton with 3 km 1 remaining. Appollonio completed a 1–2 on the stage by taking the field sprint for second place.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-du-poitou-charentes-2-1/stage-5/results Laura Weislo Dowsett takes solo victory on final stage 26 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 The Tour of Britain in September, resulted in a stage win and two minor classification victories for the team. Dowsett claimed victory in the time trial held on the morning of the final day,http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/530167/dowsett-takes-tour-of-britain-time-trial-as-boom-sets-up-overall-win.html Dowsett takes Tour of Britain time trial as Boom sets up overall win Nigel Wynn 18 September 2011 7 December 2011 Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited while Thomas won the points classification, taking the lead on the finish line, after six top-ten placings out of the eight stages enabled to usurp the total of general classification winner Lars Boom (RAB 2011 yes), for an eventual three-point winning margin over THR 2011 yes's Mark Cavendish.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-britain-2-1-2/stage-8b/results Rob Lampard Boom wins Tour of Britain 18 September 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 The squad also triumphed by over 90 seconds in the teams classification. Sutton claimed the team's final stage win of the season with victory in stage two of the Tour de Wallonie-Picarde.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-franco-belge-2-1-1/stage-2/results Sutton sprints to victory in Poperinge 30 September 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 He finished second to SKS 2011 rider Tom Veelers the next day, before the squad ultimately won the teams classification.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-franco-belge-2-1-1/stage-4/results McEwen seals overall victory in Tournai 2 October 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 The team also won lesser classifications at the Bay Classic Series,Chris Graetz http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/22nd-jayco-bay-cycling-classic-ne/stage-4/results Goss goes to top of the tree with win 5 January 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 3 December 2011 the Tour of Oman,http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/2nd-tour-of-oman-2-1/stage-6/results Cavendish gets off the mark in Mattrah 20 February 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 3 December 2011 and the Tour of Beijing.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-beijing-wt/stage-5/results Galimzyanov gets green with final stage win 9 October 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 3 December 2011 The team also sent squads to the Tour of Qatar, the Tour Méditerranéen, the Vuelta a Andalucía, the Vuelta a Murcia, Tirreno–Adriatico, Volta a Catalunya, the Critérium International, the Three Days of De Panne, the Tour of the Basque Country, the Tour de Picardie, the Tour de Suisse, the Ster ZLM Toer, the Brixia Tour, the Tour de Wallonie and the Tour de Pologne, but did not achieve a stage win, classification win, or podium finish in any of them. Grand Tours Giro d'Italia Löfkvist was named as the team's leader for the race, having previously held the lead of the race in 2009.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/13273618 Team Sky include Russell Downing in Giro d'Italia squad 3 May 2011 7 December 2011 BBC Sport BBC Barry, Carlström, Cioni, Nordhaug and Possoni were named to the team in order to support Löfkvist in the mountain stages, while the remaining three members of the squad – Appollonio, Downing and Kennaugh – were named to provide the main threats in the stages designed for the sprinters. The team's showing in the stage 1 team time trial was average, as they came home ninth of the 23 teams, 37 seconds off the winning pace set by THR 2011 yes.Stephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-1/results HTC-Highroad triumphs in team time trial 7 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 Appollonio finished near the front of the field in the Giro's first road stage, taking sixth in the mass sprint finish to the second stage, in Parma,Susan Westemeyer http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-2/results Petacchi wins the sprint in Parma 8 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 before bettering that several days later, with a fifth place on the sixth stage into Fiuggi.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/525501/local-lad-appollonio-bears-fruit-in-fiuggi.html Local lad Appollonio bears fruit in Fiuggi Andy McGrath 12 May 2011 7 December 2011 Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited Another sixth place followed for Appollonio on stage 8, thanks to build-up work from Carlström, Barry and Downing,http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,21147_6932234,00.html Nick Howes Third top-10 for Appollonio 15 May 2011 SKY 2011 BSkyB 7 December 2011 before a fourth top-ten finish – his second fifth place of the race – after the rest day, on stage ten to Teramo.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-10/results Cavendish wins into Teramo 17 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 As the race moved into its second half, Appollonio continued his impressive form, taking second place on stage 12, with only Mark Cavendish getting the better of him by around three-quarters of a bike length; the result moved him into the top five of the points classification.Peter Cossins http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-12/results Cavendish reigns in Ravenna 19 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 It would be his last stage finish of the race, as he abandoned the next day, unlike some of the other sprinters, who did not take to the stage.Peter Cossins http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-13/results Contador extends GC lead as rivals suffer 20 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 Downing, on his Grand Tour début, placed eighth on stage 18,Richard Fidler http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/other-sports/downing_joy_1_3422156 Downing joy 27 May 2011 Sheffield Star Johnston Press 7 December 2011 as a result of a split in the main field, which allowed no fewer than 20 riders to make headway, all of whom posing no major threat in the general classification. Despite not finishing in the top ten of any stage, Löfkvist finished as the best-placed rider in the team, finishing 21st overall, nearly 44 minutes down on SBS 2011 yes rider Alberto Contador, the race winner.Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-21/results Contador claims second Giro d'Italia victory 29 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 7 December 2011 Tour de France thumb|upright|Juan Antonio Flecha, during stage 19, wearing the team's special kit for the race. Flecha also made headlines when he and VCD 2011's Johnny Hoogerland were sideswiped by a France Télévisions car during an overtaking manoeuvre, while they rode in a breakaway. The team helped to raise awareness and support for the Sky Rainforest Rescue, a three-year partnership between Sky and the World Wide Fund for Nature to help save a billion trees in the state of Acre in northwest Brazil.http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,17546_7001412,00.html Team Sky go green for Tour 30 June 2011 SKY 2011 BSkyB 7 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110905193554/http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,17546_7001412,00.html 5 September 2011 dead As such, instead of their normal team kit of black with blue trim, the squad wore black with green trim, for the duration of the race. Following on from a 24th-place finish in 2010, Wiggins was the team's leader for the race, with Swift, Thomas, Boasson Hagen, Urán, Flecha, Zandio, Knees and Gerrans making up the nine-man outfit.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/tour-de-france/8593533/Tour-de-France-2011-British-trio-of-Bradley-Wiggins-Geraint-Thomas-and-Ben-Swift-spearhead-Team-Sky.html Brendan Gallagher British trio of Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas and Ben Swift spearhead Team Sky The Daily Telegraph 23 June 2011 7 December 2011 Thomas assumed the lead of the young rider classification, after finishing sixth in the opening stage to Mont des Alouettes, after Boasson Hagen had tried to track down the eventual stage winner Philippe Gilbert.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-1/results Gilbert conquers Mont des Alouettes Richard Moore Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2 July 2011 7 December 2011 The squad set the third-fastest time in the stage 2 team time trial; having set the quickest time at the first intermediate sprint – by one second ahead of GRM 2011 – the team were eventually beaten by GRM 2011 yes and BMC 2011 yes, but the performance was good enough to move Thomas into fourth place overall and Boasson Hagen into eighth place.http://www1.skysports.com/cycling/news/17546/7016384/Team-third-in-tense-TTT-test Richard Simpson Team third in tense TTT test 3 July 2011 Sky Sports BSkyB 7 December 2011 Urán placed fourth on the fourth stage, finishing with many of the overall contenders for the race, on the steep uphill finish to Mûr-de-Bretagne.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-4/results Evans takes photo finish over Contador Peter Cossins Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 5 July 2011 8 December 2011 Wiggins became the team's best placed rider, moving into sixth place despite losing time to the top ten on the stage – a result that left him pleased at the end of the stagehttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wiggins-pleased-as-he-moves-up-to-sixth Wiggins pleased as he moves up to sixth Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 6 July 2011 8 December 2011 – and Thomas and Boasson Hagen also remained in the top ten, in seventh and eighth respectively. Boasson Hagen tried to make a solo bid for victory the next day, within the closing stages, but could not hold the pace, and was usurped by the field. Thomas placed fifth on the stage, aiding eventual stage winner Mark Cavendish's progress,http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/529255/cavendish-wins-in-cap-fr-hel.html Cavendish wins Tour stage in Cap Frehel Andy McGrath 6 July 2011 8 December 2011 Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited as he maintained his lead in the young rider classification. Boasson Hagen earned the team's first Tour win on the sixth stage into Lisieux. Having held their attack until the time was right, Swift and Thomas formed the lead-out for Boasson Hagen to win the longest stage of the 2011 race.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/14069292 Edvald Boasson Hagen wins stage for Sky 7 July 2011 8 December 2011 BBC Sport BBC Wiggins' Tour ended on stage 7, after a large crash in the main field with 40 km 1 remaining on the stage; Wiggins was one of many riders to hit the ground, and after getting back to his feet, he was seen to be holding his left arm, and was eventually diagnosed with a broken collarbone.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-7/results Cavendish repeats at site of first Tour success Peter Cossins Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 8 July 2011 8 December 2011 All the team's remaining riders lost three minutes to the majority of the field, with Thomas losing the young rider classification lead to RAB 2011 yes rider Robert Gesink as a result. Flecha attacked the peloton 25 km 1 from the end of stage 8 with AST 2011's Alexander Vinokourov, to chase after several riders further down the road, but Vinokourov dropped Flecha prior to the final climb to Super Besse.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-8/results Costa claims Movistar's first Tour stage Peter Cossins Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 9 July 2011 8 December 2011 Flecha made another break from the peloton on the ninth stage, as he was joined by five other riders who extended their lead over the field. With 36 km 1 on remaining, Flecha and fellow escapee Johnny Hoogerland of VCD 2011 were involved in a dramatic crash; while attempting to overtake the riders, a support car from France Télévisions sideswiped Flecha, and as a result, caused Hoogerland to crash into a barbed wire fence, and Flecha also fell to the ground. Flecha suffered whiplash, as well as cuts and lacerations to his knee,http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,21468_7031064,00.html Flecha fights on after crash 10 July 2011 SKY 2011 BSkyB 8 December 2011 but was fit enough to continue in the race after the rest day. Thomas and Boasson Hagen each placed in the top ten again before the first half of the race drew to a close. Thomas later made the breakaway on stage 12, and was out front for the entire day until part-way up the final climb to Luz Ardiden, when he and companion Jérémy Roy (FDJ 2011) were caught with 8 km 1 remaining by Jelle Vanendert (OLO 2011 yes) and EUS 2011's Samuel Sánchez; the latter pair eventually went on to finish in first and second on the stage. Thomas was later awarded the most aggressive rider prize for the day.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-12/results Sanchez prevails on Luz-Ardiden Susan Westemeyer Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 14 July 2011 8 December 2011 The following day, Boasson Hagen also made into the breakaway, eventually finishing in sixth place on the stage, after three riders escaped from the front, but stayed clear of the main field.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-13/results Hushovd wins miracle stage in Lourdes Peter Cossins Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 15 July 2011 8 December 2011 Urán finished fifth on stage 14, finishing at Plateau de Beille, and as a result, earned the lead of the young riders classification,https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/tour-de-france/8642257/Tour-de-France-2011-Jelle-Vanendert-takes-stage-14-win-as-Andy-Schleck-plays-waiting-game.html Brendan Gallagher Jelle Vanendert takes stage 14 win as Andy Schleck plays waiting game The Daily Telegraph 16 July 2011 7 December 2011 from FDJ's Arnold Jeannesson. Swift finished sixth on stage 15,http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-15/results Fourth stage win for Cavendish in Montpellier Peter Cossins Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 17 July 2011 8 December 2011 before Boasson Hagen finished second to fellow Norwegian Thor Hushovd on stage 16, after both riders were part of a group that got clear of the field with 60 km 1 left; Urán moved into the top ten overall at the expense of QST 2011 rider Kevin De Weert.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-16/results Hushovd smashes breakaway for second stage win Les Clarke Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 19 July 2011 8 December 2011 Boasson Hagen went one place better the following day, taking his second victory of the Tour on stage 17, as the race ventured into Italy and the stage finish in Pinerolo.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/jul/20/tour-de-france-2011 Richard Williams Edvald Boasson Hagen takes Sky's second stage win The Guardian 20 July 2011 8 December 2011 After being part of a 14-man breakaway, Boasson Hagen led over the final mountain, the Colle Pra Martino, and retained his lead on the descent to win the stage by 40 seconds. Urán surrendered the young rider lead on stage 18, after losing over seven minutes to stage winner Andy Schleck (LEO 2011 yes), and lost the lead to COF 2011 rider Rein Taaramäe.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-18/results Schleck's mountain raid nets stage win Susan Westemeyer Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 21 July 2011 8 December 2011 Swift tried to force himself into a victory on the Champs-Élysées, but was caught with 3 km 1 remaining, but Boasson Hagen again finished second on the line,http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/9177/Tour-de-France-Mark-Cavendish-is-the-king-of-the-Champs-Elysees-as-Evans-confirmed-race-winner.aspx Mark Cavendish is the king of the Champs-Elysées as Evans confirmed race winner Ben Atkins VeloNation VeloNation LLC 24 July 2011 8 December 2011 to Cavendish, as he finished sixth in the final points classification. Urán finished the Tour as the team's best placed rider, nearly 43 minutes down in 24th place.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-france-2011/stage-21/results Cadel Evans wins 2011 Tour de France Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 24 July 2011 8 December 2011 Vuelta a España Having recovered from his injuries suffered in the Tour de France, Wiggins was the team's leader at the Vuelta, competing in the race for the first time.http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/16082011/58/vuelta-espa-wiggins-return-vuelta.html Wiggins to return at Vuelta 16 August 2011 7 December 2011 Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group Wiggins was joined in the race by Arvesen, Cioni, Zandio, Possoni and Löfkvist, who were named to the team in order to support Wiggins in the mountain stages; Froome was named on the team for mountain assistance, and for his time-trial skills, with Stannard and Sutton mainly contesting the sprint stages.http://www.teamsky.com/article/0,27290,22762_7105569,00.html Wiggins leads Vuelta squad 16 August 2011 SKY 2011 BSkyB 7 December 2011 In the opening stage team time trial, the squad finished 20th of 22, after a number of events left the team at one point with four riders, with a team's time recorded when a fifth rider passes the finish line.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/team-sky-falters-in-vuelta-team-time-trial Team Sky falters in Vuelta team time trial Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 20 August 2011 8 December 2011 Zandio recovered to join his four team-mates out front, limiting any further time loss. The following day, in the Vuelta's first road stage, Sutton earned the victory in a disjointed mass sprint finish to the second stage, in Orihuela; he and Vicente Reynès of OLO 2011 yes gained a gap on the field and they stayed clear until the finish with Sutton outsprinting Reynès for his first Grand Tour victory.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/14609137 Sky's Chris Sutton wins Vuelta a Espana sprint 21 August 2011 BBC Sport BBC 8 December 2011 22 August 2011 https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20110822190226/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/cycling/14609137.stm live With Froome and Löfkvist protecting Wiggins and any potential time losses during the early mountain stages, Arvesen was involved in his second crash of the race – having also crashed during the team time trial – on stage 5, in which he hit a young spectator at 70 km/h on.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/arvesen-in-high-speed-vuelta-a-espana-crash Arvesen in high-speed Vuelta a España crash Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 24 August 2011 8 December 2011 He completed that day's stage, but abandoned the race the following day due to injuries suffered in the crash, which included bruises and lacerations, as well as a knee complaint.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/529885/arvesen-quits-vuelta-with-crash-injuries.html Arvesen quits Vuelta with crash injuries Alasdair Fotheringham 25 August 2011 8 December 2011 Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited Froome and Wiggins both gave away some time over the rest of the week, and they trailed Joaquim Rodríguez (KAT 2011 yes) by nearly two minutes at the conclusion of the eighth stage.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-8/results Rodríguez climbs to stage win Les Clarke Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 August 2011 8 December 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130921120126/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-8/results 21 September 2013 The next day, Froome and Wiggins made it into the front group on the climb to La Covatilla, and with Wiggins pushing the pace on the front of the group, the number of riders that were in contention for the stage victory dwindled. Ultimately, Wiggins and Froome finished fourth and fifth on the stage, but moved up to 13th and 14th in the general classification, just a minute behind new race leader, Rabobank's Bauke Mollema.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/8728453/Vuelta-a-Espana-2011-stage-nine-Bradley-Wiggins-and-Chris-Froome-put-themselves-into-overall-contention.html Brendan Gallagher Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome put themselves into overall contention The Daily Telegraph 28 August 2011 8 December 2011 In the race's only individual time trial, held the next day, it was Froome rather than Wiggins that performed best for the team, as he finished second to Tony Martin (THR 2011 yes) on the stage and moved into the lead of the race by 12 seconds ahead of LEO 2011 yes rider Jakob Fuglsang.https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/8729610/Chris-Froome-claims-leaders-jersey-in-Vuelta-Espana-after-gruelling-time-trial-around-Salamanca.html Brendan Gallagher Chris Froome claims leader's jersey in Vuelta Espana after gruelling time trial around Salamanca The Daily Telegraph 29 August 2011 8 December 2011 Wiggins himself finished third on the stage, having at one point set the quickest intermediate split on the course, but moved into the same position overall, 20 seconds behind Froome. After the race's first rest day, Wiggins assumed the race lead at its halfway point, as he responded to several late-race attacks to the finish at Manzaneda, while Froome could not, and eventually lost 27 seconds to his team-mate, giving Wiggins the lead by seven.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-11/results Moncoutie prevails on Estación de Montaña Manzaneda Stephen Farrand Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 31 August 2011 8 December 2011 Wiggins and Froome again finished together on stage 14, as they put more time into several of their rivals, including Rodríguez and LIQ 2011's Vincenzo Nibali,http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/529961/taaramae-takes-stage-as-wiggins-puts-time-into-rivals.html Taaramae takes stage as Wiggins puts time into rivals Andy McGrath 3 September 2011 8 December 2011 Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited the defending champion. The race changed again as it went into its final week, with the 15th stage – the queen stage of the Vuelta – to the Angliru, with an average gradient of 10% and a maximum gradient of over 23% at the Cueña les Cabres section of the climb.http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05092011/58/vuelta-espa-cobo-tames-angliru-red.html Cobo tames the Angliru to take red Felix Lowe Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group 4 September 2011 8 December 2011 GEO 2011 rider Juan José Cobo broke free of the group that had been controlled by Froome and Wiggins, with 6 km 1 remaining on the stage, and eventually soloed to victory, and assumed the overall race lead from Wiggins. Wiggins himself struggled on the climb, and eventually cracked later on the climb, losing a total of 81 seconds to Cobo,http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-15/results Cobo climbs into Vuelta lead on Angliru Cycling News Future Publishing Limited Les Clarke 4 September 2011 8 December 2011 while Froome stayed with a select group of riders, finishing in fourth place on the stage, 48 seconds down on Cobo and in the same time as VCD 2011 yes rider Wout Poels and Cobo's team-mate Denis Menchov.http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/09/news/the-sky-is-falling-angliru-kicks-the-legs-out-from-under-bradley-wiggins-and-christopher-froome_191005 Andrew Hood The Sky is falling: Angliru kicks the legs out from under Bradley Wiggins and Christopher Froome VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 4 September 2011 8 December 2011 Froome and Wiggins gave up several more seconds on stage 16, after a split in the field on the run-in to the finish in Haro; Cobo extended his lead to 22 seconds over Froome and 51 seconds over Wiggins.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/529985/haedo-wins-confusing-stage-16-finish-in-vuelta.html Haedo wins confusing stage 16 finish in Vuelta Hugh Gladstone 6 September 2011 8 December 2011 Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited The following day was the last real summit finish of the race, the climb to Peña Cabarga, at an altitude of 565 m ft.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-17/results Froome outduels Cobo on Peña Cabarga Cycling News Future Publishing Limited Les Clarke 7 September 2011 8 December 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120908010743/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-17/results 8 September 2012 Froome shadowed Cobo on the slopes of the climb, and it was not until the final 1.5 km 1 that Froome and Cobo pulled clear of the remaining riders of their group, including Wiggins, after pulling back OLO 2011 yes's Jurgen Van den Broeck. After the duo had pulled clear, Froome attacked Cobo and looked to have gained enough of an advantage to make his way back into the lead of the race, but Cobo bridged back to Froome with around 150 m ft left. Cobo kicked for the line from there, but Froome took the inside line on the final corner and won the stage, but could only gain nine seconds – one second on the road plus eight bonus seconds on the line – on Cobo, to reduce his advantage to 13 seconds. Froome's victory was the first mountain-top stage win by a British rider in a Grand Tour since Robert Millar at the 1989 Tour de France.https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cycling/14827719 Chris Froome wins Vuelta a Espana 17th stage 7 September 2011 BBC Sport BBC 8 December 2011 Wiggins finished twelfth on the stage, 39 seconds down on Froome, which meant that he trailed Cobo by over 90 seconds, which effectively ended his chances of winning the race.https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2011/sep/07/team-sky-chris-froome-tour-spain William Fotheringham Chris Froome closes gap to Juan José Cobo with audacious double attack The Guardian 7 September 2011 8 December 2011 Froome tried to make his move in the Basque Country on stage 19, but was well guarded by Cobo, and no time gains were made.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-19/results Anton wins stage on home turf as Vuelta returns to Basque country Cycling News Future Publishing Limited Barry Ryan 9 September 2011 8 December 2011 Froome made a decisive error in the penultimate stage, misjudging an intermediate sprint banner, and as a result went for the points and elusive bonus seconds 4 km 1 too soon, and as a result, could not affect Cobo's 13-second lead prior to the final stage.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/530031/bennati-wins-vuelta-stage-20-as-cobo-keeps-slim-lead-over-sky-s-froome.html Bennati wins Vuelta stage, Cobo keeps slim lead over Froome Gregor Brown 10 September 2011 8 December 2011 Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited Cobo secured victory at the end of the final stage, a processional affair until hitting the streets of Madrid, with Froome finishing just in front on the stage results.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-21/results Sagan steals final stage from pure sprinters Cycling News Future Publishing Limited Les Clarke 11 September 2011 8 December 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130102215145/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-21/results 2 January 2013 Cobo's winning margin of 13 seconds over Froome was tied for the third-closest in Vuelta history,http://www.itv.com/lavuelta/2011/stage-highlights/stage-21/ Stage 21: Circuito del Jarama - Madrid ITV Sport ITV 11 September 2011 8 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111209194803/http://www.itv.com/lavuelta/2011/stage-highlights/stage-21/ 9 December 2011 dead while Wiggins completed the podium in third place, 1' 39" down on Cobo. On 12 June 2019, the UCI released a statement that Cobo was found guilty of an anti-doping rule violation when abnormalities related to the use of performance-enhancing drugs were found on his biological passport and was stripped of the title several days later along with his results during a time period between 2009 and 2011, also receiving a three-year ban. On 17 July 2019, nearly eight years since the race ended, the UCI formally awarded the title to Froome, now recognizing him as the first British rider to win any of the Grand Tours. This result also elevated Wiggins into second place.https://www.bbc.com/sport/cycling/49026538 Froome awarded 2011 Vuelta title BBC Sport Season victories Date Race Competition Rider Country Location January 5 Bay Classic Series, Sprints classification National eventSimon Gerrans AUS January 19 Tour Down Under, Stage 2 UCI World Tour Ben Swift GBR Mannum January 23 Tour Down Under, Stage 6 UCI World TourBen Swift GBR Adelaide February 18 Volta ao Algarve, Stage 3 UCI Europe TourSteve Cummings GBR Malhão February 20 Tour of Oman, Points classification UCI Asia TourEdvald Boasson Hagen NOR February 27 Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne UCI Europe TourChristopher Sutton Christopher Sutton (cyclist) AUS Kuurne March 7 Paris–Nice, Stage 2 UCI World TourGreg Henderson NZL Amilly April 17 Vuelta a Castilla y León, Stage 5 UCI Europe TourBen Swift GBR Medina del Campo May 1 Tour de Romandie, Stage 5 UCI World TourBen Swift GBR Geneva May 16 Tour of California, Stage 2 UCI America TourBen Swift GBR Sacramento May 17 Tour of California, Stage 3 UCI America TourGreg Henderson NZL Modesto May 25 Bayern-Rundfahrt, Stage 1 UCI Europe TourEdvald Boasson Hagen NOR Freystadt May 28 Bayern-Rundfahrt, Stage 4 UCI Europe TourBradley Wiggins GBR Friedberg May 29 Bayern-Rundfahrt, Overall UCI Europe TourGeraint Thomas GBR May 29 Bayern-Rundfahrt, Sprints classification UCI Europe TourEdvald Boasson Hagen NOR May 29 Bayern-Rundfahrt, Teams classification UCI Europe Tour The riders on the squad were Edvald Boasson Hagen, Simon Gerrans, Christian Knees, Christopher Sutton, Geraint Thomas, Bradley Wiggins, and Michael Rogers June 4 Tour de Luxembourg, Stage 3 UCI Europe TourDavide Appollonio ITA Roost June 5 Tour de Luxembourg, Points classification UCI Europe TourDavide Appollonio ITA June 12 Critérium du Dauphiné, Overall UCI World TourBradley Wiggins GBR July 7 Tour de France, Stage 6 UCI World TourEdvald Boasson Hagen NOR Lisieux July 7 Tour of Austria, Stage 5 UCI Europe Tour Ian Stannard GBR Alpendorf-Schladming July 20 Tour de France, Stage 17 UCI World TourEdvald Boasson Hagen NOR Pinerolo August 7 Danmark Rundt, Overall UCI Europe TourSimon Gerrans AUS August 7 Danmark Rundt, Teams classification UCI Europe Tour The riders on the squad were Davide Appollonio, Kurt Asle Arvesen, Dario Cioni, Russell Downing, Alex Dowsett, Simon Gerrans, Jeremy Hunt and Christopher Sutton August 14 Eneco Tour, Stage 6 UCI World TourEdvald Boasson Hagen NOR Sittard-Geleen August 14 Eneco Tour, Overall UCI World TourEdvald Boasson Hagen NOR Race held in Belgium and the Netherlands. August 14 Eneco Tour, Points classification UCI World TourEdvald Boasson Hagen NOR August 14 Eneco Tour, Young rider classification UCI World TourEdvald Boasson Hagen NOR August 21 Vattenfall Cyclassics UCI World TourEdvald Boasson Hagen NOR Hamburg August 21 Vuelta a España, Stage 2 UCI World TourChristopher Sutton Christopher Sutton (cyclist) AUS Orihuela August 23 Tour du Poitou-Charentes, Stage 1 UCI Europe TourDavide Appollonio ITA Cognac August 26 Tour du Poitou-Charentes, Stage 5 UCI Europe TourAlex Dowsett GBR Poitiers September 7 Vuelta a España, Stage 17 UCI World TourChris Froome GBR Peña Cabarga September 11 Vuelta a España, Overall UCI World TourChris Froome GBR September 11 Vuelta a España, Combination category UCI World TourChris Froome GBR September 18 Tour of Britain, Stage 8a UCI Europe TourAlex Dowsett GBR London September 18 Tour of Britain, Points classification UCI Europe TourGeraint Thomas GBR September 18 Tour of Britain, Teams classification UCI Europe Tour The riders on the squad were Geraint Thomas, Ben Swift, Mathew Hayman, Alex Dowsett, Michael Rogers and Steve Cummings September 30 Tour de Wallonie-Picarde, Stage 2 UCI Europe TourChristopher Sutton Christopher Sutton (cyclist) AUS Poperinge October 2 Tour de Wallonie-Picarde, Teams classification UCI Europe Tour The riders on the squad were Juan Antonio Flecha, Mathew Hayman, Russell Downing, Kjell Carlström, Greg Henderson, Michael Rogers, Ian Stannard and Christopher Sutton Race held in Belgium and France. October 6 Paris–Bourges UCI Europe TourMathew Hayman AUS Bourges October 9 Tour of Beijing, Teams classification UCI World Tour The riders on the squad were Chris Froome, Davide Appollonio, Michael Barry, Dario Cioni, Steve Cummings, Alex Dowsett, Jeremy Hunt and Christian Knees Footnotes N References 30em External links Team Sky in 2011 Category:2011 road cycling season by team Category:Netcompany–Ineos Category:2011 in British sport