Deignan on top of world with Sky deal

Following weeks of speculation, Team Sky yesterday confirmed Ireland’s Philip Deignan will join their ranks for the 2014 season.

The Donegal man, who celebrates his 30th birthday today, will link up with some of the most talented riders in the world at the world’s biggest team — one that has claimed the last two Tours de France through Chris Froome and Bradley Wiggins.

Though Dan Martin, Nicolas Roche and Martyn Irvine have perhaps stolen the limelight with some stellar performances and results this year, Deignan has had a marvellous season himself and, crucially, is back climbing with the very best in the world after a number of difficult years that were blighted by injury and sickness.