Marcus Ljungqvist is one of Team Sky’s founding Sports Directors and will be calling the shots at numerous high-profile races again in 2013.

Ljungqvist joined Team Sky for their debut season after calling time on a 12-year road career which saw him compete for the likes of Liquigas-Bianchi, Credit Agricole and Team CSC.

After retiring during his third spell as Swedish national champion, Ljungqvist settled into his new role seamlessly and has grown in stature with every passing year.

He oversaw a four-race winning streak in 2011, and got his 2012 season off to a triumphant start when he directed Lars-Petter Nordhaug to victory at the Trofeo Deia. Further success would follow at the Tour of Norway before Ljungqvist helped oversee Team Sky’s triumphant Tour de France campaign and the Vuelta a Espana.

“We had a great season in 2012,” admitted Ljungqvist. “It was a pleasure to be a part of, but it’s what we do next that counts.

“The team in a very good place at the moment but we all want to build on the success we’ve achieved so far.

“It’s the same for me personally as well. I have three full seasons as a Sports Director under my belt now, and while it’s a job that takes a long time to learn, I feel I’ve come a long way since I began in 2010.

“I’m still looking to improve every day though and there’s a great team of people around me which will definitely help me do that.

“I want to do the best job I can on the road, and for the guys. Hopefully by working together we can win plenty more bike races in the future – and I’m sure that will be the case.”