Although the revival of Irish cycling during the season 2013 have to remain somewhat in the shadow of the amazing explosion of Colombian talent, no doubt it has become a reality. Daniel Martin won the Liege - Bastogne - Liege and a stage at the Tour de France, while Nicolas Roche finally had the opportunity to shine of and confirmed his aspirations to a leadership role in the Vuelta, during his first year in Saxo - Tinkoff. Shortly afterwards it has been officially confirmed that Sky Procycling has signed a two-year contract with Philip Deignan, who has thus became the first Irishman in the outfit of “the best cycling team in the world".

Deignan turned professional with Ag2r in 2005 but his first seasons were hampered by numerous injuries. He had an injury-free season in 2009 and promptly delivered on his promises by winning a prestigious stage to Avila in the Vuelta and finishing 9th overall.

Illness hampered his 2010 season and he never found his best legs when he joined Radioshack for the 2011 season. He stepped down a level by signing with the UnitedHealthCare team where he has had the chance to race as a team leader in the major North American stage races.

However, the first year in the outfit of the American team, like many preceding, was not successful. Deignan explains, that throughout the 2012 season he was hempered by minor injuries that prevented him from competing on a satisfactory level with riders who have undergone proper preparations.

„ I had some health issues. Nothing serious, but it was just a continuation of some minor health problems that hampered me throughout the whole year. It prevented me from performing at my usual level. In cycling, if you’re not at 100 percent, you’re not going to be there, and that’s true in the U.S., in Europe, anywhere. It took the whole [2012] season to get everything right again,” Deignan explained in an interview for velonews.com

This year he has had an outstanding season, winning the Tour of the Gila, finishing runner-up at the Tour de Beauce, and claiming top-10 finishes at both the Tours of Utah, California and the USA Pro Challenge. He explained that the main reason, beside the final disposal of health problems, was reasonably balanced schedule, which allowed him to stay fresh throughout the entire season and thus compete at a high level in all major races.

„At the start of this year, I sat down with my coach, and we wanted consistency, from the Tour de San Luís all the way through the worlds. I had a good racing program that wasn’t too heavy. I had good periods of recovery and training between the major goals. It worked out great, even though the Tour of Britain and the worlds went a bit pear-shaped at the end. The rest of the year went smoothly. It was that consistency that was a big breakthrough for me.”

Deignan also clarifies the main differences between racing in the United States and in Europe.

„In terms of positioning, it’s a lot less stressful in the States. The roads are bigger, the peloton is smaller, so you can move up a lot easier. In Europe, you need to position yourself for the climbs very early. In the U.S., you can wait longer and move up at the last minute before a climb. The weather is much better in the United States, that’s a big bonus”

The main reason meant to justily the decision taken by Irishman to step down a level and sign with UnitedHealthcare team, was the chance to race as a team leader in the major North American stage races.

“I didn’t feel like it was a step down at the time to move from Europe to racing in the United States. What attracted me was that I was going to be one of the leaders of the team, along with Rory Sutherland, who was there at the time. I wanted to be a GC leader for races that suited me,” the Irishman explained.

It seems that Deignan, at least for some time, will have to be content with the experience gained in this field, as in his new team certainly other responsibilities are waiting. Career development of younger, healthier, and possibly more talented riders leaves no doubt that in Team Sky chances do not grow on trees.

Deignan modestly admits he’s absolutely aware of the change in his situation, and will be more than pleased to support his more esteemed colleagues. The biggest goal for next season will be participation in the Giro d’Italia with its grand depart taking place in Northern Ireland.

„I know I will be a domestique, but that’s fine. I am really looking forward to helping those guys out. We haven’t looked at the race program yet. That will come in some team meetings in the next few weeks. I’d love to ride the Giro. It’s starting in Ireland, so that would be one of my big objectives. Even though it starts in Northern Ireland and I live in the Republic, it’s still not far from where I grew up. Id love to be there.”

„I knew coming to Sky what the offer would be. With such great riders on their team, I knew it would be a case of me helping them. I get huge satisfaction to help someone else win, especially in a big race like a grand tour, rather than me to scramble to a top 10. I would get a lot more satisfaction from helping one of the guys to win a grand tour.”

 As he considers, team’s professionalism manifested in every area must translate into further development of his sporting career and improve performances in races on the World Tour level. Thus, Deignan feels not totally deprived of the hope that with the right work and a little luck, he might get a chance to play his own cards. Although nothing is ultimately a foregone conclusion, it seems quite unlikely.

„ Everyone knows they’re on the cutting edge of everything, from training, to coaching, to material, nutrition. I’ve suffered in the past from doing the wrong training and eating the wrong foods. There’s big room for improvement as a rider, so I am hoping to see the benefits of being on Sky.”

“You don’t take anything for granted, that’s for sure. Coming into the team, I know I need to work hard and prove myself. I am not coming to the team expecting anything else. I need to show myself and show them what I am capable of doing.”