Bobby Julich (pictured), who claimed the bronze medal in the individual time trial at the 2004 Olympic Games, is joining the team as a race coach.

Team Sky race coach Rod Ellingworth said: "Bobby is going to work alongside myself and help develop the coaching role at Team Sky.

"We have a long-term view and a coaching structure that we are aiming to work towards.

"Bobby is the first new person to be taken on with that in mind.

"The role is very much to be a one-on-one coach with a few of our key riders.

"Race coaching is everything to do with the athletes' lives.

"It involves so much - planning, supporting the riders whenever they need it, whether it's time trialling, positional and tactical work, basically whatever is needed to help them in every area.

"It could even be getting them back on track after an illness."

Julich rode with Team CSC (which became Saxo Bank) until September 2008 at which point he announced his retirement from the saddle and joined the team in a management position, focusing on technical development, testing and time trial coaching, as well as the training and development of new young riders.

"I am extremely excited to be joining Team Sky," said Julich.

"I have been in the same system for seven years and look forward to learning a new one and meeting new people.

"I think I will fit in perfectly with this team and hope that my experience will help it progress and reach its goals for the future."


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