News: Kiryienka and Henao extend contracts with Team INEOS

Vasil Kiryienka and Sebastian Henao extend their contracts with Team Ineos

News: Kiryienka and Henao extend contracts with Team INEOS

Kiryienka extends for 2020 season

Vasil Kiryienka is motivated to continue his cycling career after signing a new deal for the 2020 season. The Belarusian underwent treatment in March for a cardiac anomaly but worked diligently to make a racing comeback at the Tour de Romandie at the end of April – the team’s first race as Team INEOS.

The 2015 world time trial champion completed an impressive return to the peloton by winning gold on home roads at the European Games time trial, in addition to riding the Vuelta a Espana. On his new deal, Kiryienka confirmed: “I am very happy to have signed a contract for another year. Having spent the last seven seasons in an international team led by Sir Dave Brailsford, I have gained invaluable life experience”.

“I have been lucky to learn the habits and lifestyles of people from all over the world, and it is a pleasure to share a hotel room and work with them. The leaders in this team have the ability to unite people of different backgrounds and characters to achieve one common goal. This always helps me to go out there and give my maximum.”

“The current season was not easy for me. It was hard to realise that there were some physiological changes in my body that might not allow me to continue to do what I love. But thanks to the support from the team my condition returned to normal. A special thanks to the team doctor Iñigo Sarriegui for the work on my recovery. It was nice to see the positive reaction of some riders in the peloton to my return to racing. These moments helped me cheer up and win the European Games time trial”.

“I am happy to continue in the team. This whole set up gives me the opportunity to feel happy when my teammates succeed, or go for my own chance to win if it occurs. I am grateful for the opportunity to be an example for my children.”
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Coach Xabier Artetxe has developed a close relationship with Kiryienka and is pleased to see the Belarusian maintain his motivation and secure a new contract. He explained: “Kiry is a great example for the young riders – to see someone who has been a world champion and one of the best support riders in the world. He’s done almost everything, competing in numerous Grand Tours successes, but he keeps the same motivation to continue. He’s a 38-year-old rider and he’s motivated to train every day, to ride the bike, compete in Grand Tours and the very best races.

“Given he’s in the latter part of his career and with the health issue he had, the easiest thing for him would have been to retire, but Kiry is really motivated to continue racing. He wants to do more years on the bike.”

Henao happy to continue with Team INEOS

Sebastian Henao is looking forward to spending a further two seasons with Team INEOS as he continues to develop amongst his ‘second family’. The 26-year-old Colombian joined the team back in 2014, and during the subsequent six seasons he’s grown into a dependable and experienced professional. 2019 saw Henao tackle two Grand Tours in a single season for the first time, a key point in his development as a support rider.

On signing a new two-year deal Henao confirmed: “I’m very excited to be able to continue with this great team. Ever since my first season I have felt like home here – it’s like my second family. All of the team, riders and staff, are incredible to work with and I have learned a lot in my last six years here. “I favour week-long races and especially the Grand Tours. I want to keep developing and improving my skills in these races. I have more experience now and I’m able to contribute even more to help the team and give my all.”

Henao’s coach Xabier Artetxe has seen him develop first-hand and explains there are new levels he can reach in the coming seasons. He said: “Sebastian has become a really good support rider and he feels comfortable doing this job for the big leaders in the team. He continues to develop in this role and he’s a solid rider in the mid-mountains.

“He’s gained more and more experience with each season, including in big races like the Giro and Paris-Nice. The Sport Directors and leaders all trust him, and after doing two Grand Tours this season he’s at a key point in his career. He’s in a great environment where he can continue to improve and be solid throughout a season.”

Photo credits: Russ Ellis/Team INEOS