Ljungqvist confirmed as Team Sky sports director

Former Saxo Bank rider Marcus Ljungqvist has signed for Team Sky as a sports director. The Swede is the latest addition to the team’s management line-up after it was announced that highly experienced Dutch rider Steven De Jongh is also on board in a similar position.

Ljungqvist retired at the end of the season and turned down an offer from Lance Armstrong's new Team Radioshack to join the British outfit. He starts his new position on January 1, 2010 and will work under Sports Manager Scott Sunderland next season.

He said that it was a “chance of a lifetime” and he believes the team has the power an ambition to make its mark on the peloton in their first season. Team Sky includes British riders Geraint Thomas, Steve Cummings, Chris Froome, Russell Downing, Ian Stannard and Peter Kennaugh amongst its 16-strong roster.

The team also includes the likes of Edvald Boason Hagen, Thomas Lovkvist, Kurt Arvesen, Simon Gerrans and Kjell Carlstrom.

The Swede also cited the possibility of working together with Arvesen (NOR), former team mate Sunderland and Thomas Lövkvist, as a big factor in his decision.

Ljungqvist's biggest success in his 11-year career came when he won the Tour of Luxembourg in 2002. He also finished fourth in the World Road Championships in 2005.