Bernhard Eisel and Mark Cavendish will ride on different teams for the first time in half-a-decade after the Austrian signed a three-year contract extension with Team Sky.
Eisel has ridden with Cavendish since joining the T-Mobile team, which later became HTC-Highroad, in 2007. The Austrian became Cavendish’s room-mate, best friend and loyal lieutenant on the road, and followed the Manx Missile to Team Sky ahead of the 2012 season.
But, just 24 hours after Cavendish announced he was to leave the British team to join Omega Pharma-QuickStep, Eisel put pen to paper on a deal which will keep him at Team Sky until 2015.
“The fact that Mark Cavendish is leaving us made this one of the toughest decisions of my life, and I wouldn’t have stayed if I hadn’t felt absolutely at home here,” said Eisel.
“Mark and I have ridden together since 2007 and he was my only room mate during most of that time. I haven’t just looked after him on the bike, I also regard him as a brother, so it will be strange competing against him in the future.”
Eisel, a Classics specialist, has sacrificed his personal ambitions as Cavendish’s wingman through a five-year period which has seen the Briton win 23 stages of the Tour de France and 10 stages of the Giro d’Italia.
Eisel formed part of Team Sky’s nine-man squad for the 2012 Tour de France, helping Bradley Wiggins to become the first Briton to win cycling’s most prestigious race. Cavendish won three stages but became frustrated by a perceived lack of support from the team, prompting the 27-year-old to seek a move elsewhere.
Now Eisel will be given free reign in the Spring Classics and is relishing the opportunity to earn his first victory in Team Sky colours.
“I’m delighted to have extended my contract. Although I haven’t had a win this season, I’ve had a really enjoyable first year with the team and have been able to contribute to some historic performances,” said Eisel.
“I’ve loved taking on a senior role in the squad. Having the chance to advise the younger guys is something I’ve really enjoyed doing, and want to continue doing that over the next three years.”
He added: “In terms of 2013, I’m sure I’ll have more chances to get my first victory for the team, and at the same time I’ll continue doing what I am best at, which is helping other people win.
“We’ve accomplished so much here already at Team Sky but I’m sure there will be plenty more success in the future and I’m excited by that prospect.”
