Mikel Nieve has officially signed to become part of team Orica-Scott in 2018’s season. The climbing specialist will move to Orica-Scott from team Sky on a 2-year contract!
Spanish Mikel Nieve, will become part of the new Australian family in 2018 making Team Sky lose its hopes and expectations to boost their Grand Tour line-up performance.
The 33-year old rider has always been a high-appreciated team component and the right arm of Chris Froome assisting him in many Mountain category routes. Especially in the 2016 And 2017 Tour de France editions.
Nieve will definitely be a major contributor in team Orica-Scott’s mountain (climbing) contingent which is currently covered by Damien Howson, Roman Kreuziger, Carlos Veron and Ruben Plaza.
“I especially know Esteban and the Yates brothers,” Mikel Nieve said in an official statement for Orica-Scott.
“Despite being very young, they have a great talent and have achieved important things. I would like to help the team to get more important victories and be part of it. I would like to be in the big races. Would like to be important on mountain stages and be close to those three guys to give them a hand.”- added Nieve.
Team Sky reduced climbers
He is the second high-profile rider, expert on climbing segments, to leave Team Sky. Peter Kennaugh has decided to join Bora-Hansgrohe in 2018.
“Signing Nieve is bolstering the armada we are building in backing up our young general classification riders,” Matt White said. “Last year we could add Roman Kreuziger and now Mikel comes with the same level of experience. They have both been part of teams that have won the biggest races in the world”
Happy and excited for to be part of @OricaScott next 2 year!! https://t.co/KpZI8kYwdK
— Mikel Nieve (@NieveMikel) August 3, 2017
White also admitted to believe them to be an added great value to their general classification trio.
