Team Sky is delighted to announce that Mathew Hayman and Chris Sutton have both signed new contracts ahead of the 2012 season. 

Newly crowned Paris-Bourges champion Hayman has long been recognised as one of pro cycling’s strongest riders and is a key domestique for Team Sky. Hayman’s wealth of classics experience saw him achieve a podium place at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in February and the Australian also helped Sutton win Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne 24 hours later.

Sutton has shown himself to be one of Team Sky’s strongest sprinters over the last two seasons. He started this season strongly, with his win at Kuurne-Bruxelles-Kuurne. That was followed by his maiden Grand Tour stage win in Playas de Orihuela at the Vuelta a Espana in August.  Last week saw the Australian secure a stage win on his way to third overall at the Circuit Franco-Belge. During his two seasons with Team Sky, Sutton and has also celebrated victories at both the Brixia Tour and Tour Down Under.

Mathew Hayman, Team Sky rider, said:

“When I came to Team Sky I knew that I was joining something new and innovative, it has been a privilege to be able to be a part of this new team that has aimed so high and is always trying to set new standards.

“I am very much looking forward to the next two years and building on the start we have made. The team is full of talented riders and part of my role is to help those guys get the most out of themselves, as well as myself.

“The cobbled classics are close to my heart, I feel like I am close to making a breakthrough in one of these races, the team has been supportive of my ambitions in this area and I would love to repay that support with a win. I will also endeavour to make the Tour de France team because it is every rider’s ambition to be part of the biggest race in the world.”

Chris Sutton, Team Sky rider, said:

“To sign a new contract with Team Sky is amazing. I am so happy here and have learned so much from the riders and coaches over the last two years. Their input has allowed me to improve every aspect of my riding and I'm looking forward to progressing further in the future.

“It's like a big happy family here and I've made some really close friends. On the road we've also clicked a lot more this season that's been reflected with the number of race wins we've achieved. We're only going to get better over the next few seasons as well and that's really exciting to be part of.”

Dave Brailsford, Team Sky Principal, said:

“Mathew’s win this week at Paris-Bourges underlined his huge talent as a rider and he has continued to show all season why he is one of the most respected riders in the peloton. His strength, stamina and leadership are second to none and we are delighted that he has seen Team Sky as the best environment to continue his career.

“CJ is one of the most exciting sprint prospects in professional cycling. His stage win during this summer’s Vuelta was typical of his talent. He is a rider that is reaching the pinnacle of his career and we expect him to go from strength-to-strength over the next two seasons at Team Sky.”