Sky Tests Young Riders' Mettle

- Sophie Smith

Sky appeared satisfied with the first WorldTour race of the season as it used the Tour Down Under to test out some of the key riders in its roster of young talent.

Promising 21-year-old signing Egan Bernal showed a champion’s instinct on his debut for Sky, which is intent on racing the rookie at the Vuelta a España regardless of Chris Froome’s situation.

Bernal matched every heavyweight climber at the Tour Down Under last week to finish sixth overall and win the white jersey that he tellingly considered a consolation prize.

“It’s good but I think the general classification is most important,” he said. “I’m happy because my form is good but we need to continue working.”