Chris Froome extends contract with Team Sky for three more years

Chris Froome, who began the Vuelta a Espana as one of Bradley Wiggins' key domestioques less than weeks ago without having yet secured a contract for 2012 and went on to finish runner-up in the race, is to remain with Team Sky for three more years. It's a safe bet that Froome's new contract, annouced by Team Sky this lunchtime will be more valuable than it would have been had it been signed before the Spanish race.

The exploits at the Vuelta of the 26-year-old, who was born in Kenya but now has UK citizenship and races under a British licence, attracted attention from other teams but he has decided to remain with Team Sky, which he joined from the defunct South African-backed team, Barloworld, when it was formed ahead of the 210 season.

"Standing on the podium at this year’s Vuelta a España was the highlight of my professional career so far," said Froome as the team announced his new contract today.

"But that success was only possible because of everyone at Team Sky, both on and off the road, and so I am absolutely delighted to be signing an extension to stay with the team for the next three years.

“Team Sky has made a tremendous impact on professional cycling in a very short space of time," he added. "We have an outstanding backroom team and some of the most talented riders in the peloton. I am very much looking forward to going into future events with the current support structure behind me."

Team Principal Dave Brailsford said: "Chris's performance at the Tour of Spain was tremendously exciting and generated much interest and competition for his services from other teams. In light of this we are very pleased that he has chosen Team Sky as the best place to continue his career.

"We are all very much looking forward to supporting Chris's future development and working with him to consolidate and build on his breakthrough performance over the coming seasons.”