At the end of 2012, Team Sky believed they had signed two of the most promising young talents in cycling when they captured Ian Boswell and Joe Dombrowski from the Bissell Development Team. While things haven’t worked out for Dombrowski, who was injured and missed out on most of 2014 after a promising 2013 and has moved to Cannondale-Garmin, Boswell is still at the team and is beginning to play a key role in the stage races.

Boswell spoke exclusively to CyclingQuotes.com about his 2014, which he described as a big year for him in terms of his development as a WorldTour bike rider.

“2014 was, on a personal level, a big development year. In my second year with Sky and in the World Tour, I started to find my feet and see more consistency in my training and racing. I worked at the front in most my races for the team, a role in which I enjoy, and I am continuing to learn and develop towards my goals.”

Boswell is a climber, as shown by his strong GC ride in the Route du Sud, but he has other qualities that make him a very well rounded rider who is good on almost all terrains.

“I came to this team as a climber/GC rider; I think I still have those abilities. That said I am also not a small guy and have a frame that should also be able to ride a good TT and have some ability on the flats. As I continue to develop I would like to see myself continue to improve in my GC capabilities, yet also be a well rounded rider for all types of races.”

Boswell was fortunate he had raced with Dombrowski for so long, and the two helped each other integrate into the WorldTour peloton. Boswell wont have his close friend at Team Sky this year, but the two will still train together.

“So sad isn’t it?” Boswell laughed, “Joe and I have raced together a fair bit over the past four years and developed together. It’s been enjoyable to have a fellow compatriot with me during the transition, we shared a lot of similar learning experiences and helped each other out.”

“I am happy for Joe that he is on an American based team and think he will find his winning ways again. He will still be living in Nice so I am sure we will hit it out in many training rides and races. Personally I really enjoy being at Sky and hope to show my worth and resign here. Plus, I now know all Joe’s secrets!”

Boswell came to the attention of many teams with his strong ride in the Tour of Utah in both 2010 and 2012, where he was third and fifth on GC respectively. The 23-year-old American was strong at the Route du Sud in 2014, where he took ninth on GC against some quality opposition: new teammate Nicolas Roche, Alejandro Valverde and Michael Rogers were all ahead of him. Plus, he was working for his teammate Kanstantin Siutsou, who was fourth. This was a really impressive ride in a tough stage race.

“The Route du Sud was the first time in the past two seasons that I went to a race with good form and also had an opportunity to do my own race. I did take some confidence from that result, and plan to only build on that for the coming season. Having personal confidence is a huge part in succeeding at this level and something I want to continue to experience for 2015.”

Boswell has made some changes to his backroom staff for 2015 as he is out of contract at the end of the season, and he is determined to continue on his success from 2014 to prove he not only deserves to remain a WorldTour rider, but can play a key role in the best teams in the world and lead them to victory.

“I have a big year coming up, I am on a contract year for one, but also in my third year as a professional. I have changed my approach a little for this season; I am working with a new coach, and have also taken time this offseason to reset my personal goals, something that I was lacking over the past two years. Sky is taking part in more races this season and a few races where us younger riders will have more opportunity. In those races I aim to take advantage of my chances and hope that that leads to a Grand Tour start in which I hope to display I can perform at the biggest events.”

Boswell certainly has the talent and if he is given the opportunities he hopes he will get in 2015, Sky will have a promising young rider on their hands for the future and the present. And with that description of himself as a rider, doesnt he sound like a certain British rider leaving the team after Paris-Roubaix?