UCI president and former member of the team’s operating board, Brian Cookson, believes that Team Sky has abandoned one of its original goals. Seeking to develop young British riders.

During an interview with Cycle Sport, Cookson bemoaned the team’s changed position on developing home-grown talent.

“I am reluctant to criticize sir David Brailsford in any way because he has done amazing things with British Cycling and Team Sky. But I feel that the team isn’t quite staying true to one of the reasons it was formed.” Cookson stated.

The number of British riders have decreased over the last couple of years and more and more foreign talent have been signed by the team. British talent is also leaving the team, Josh Edmondson is rumored to be joining MTN-Qhubeka for the 2015 season. And the biggest British talents, Adam and Simon Yates, turned professional this season with Orica-Greenedge.

“I mean, the Yates brothers should be in Team Sky.” Cookson concluded.