Shane Sutton shifts jobs at Sky

Shane Sutton has left his post as head coach as Team Sky, and taken up a new role as performance advisor for the team. He will also carry on in his job as British Cycling's head coach.

The move means that Sutton, 55, has effectively stepped back from his day-to-day involvement with the British-based WorldTour squad. He will continue to work closely with the riders and team principal David Brailsford when required.

"I'm working in a support role alongside Dave as an advisor and a troubleshooter. We've worked together for a long time and we've got a good working relationship," Sutton said in a Sky statement issued on Friday.

"If there is an issue that the team has identified or an area that needs exploring then Dave will be able to bring me in and we can take a look at it.

"We've got a very good team and a young dynamic group of performance coaches. I'm being led by Dave and whatever he wants and whatever I can do to help the performance team then I'll deliver that for Team Sky," said Sutton.

Sutton was a key element of the team behind Bradley Wiggins's Tour de France success in 2012. The Australian joined British Cycling as coach in 2002, and was part of Sky's coaching team from the outset, when the squad made its debut in 2010.

Sutton was awarded an OBE by the Queen in the 2010 Birthday Honours for his work with the British national team.

Formerly a professional rider, Sutton's most memorable victory was in the 1990 Milk Race. He also won a gold medal in the 1978 Commonwealth Games team pursuit. He rode in the 1987 Tour de France for the ANC-Halfords squad.

Related links

2010: Team GB's Sutton honoured with OBE

2009: The Big Interview with Shane Sutton