The recent management changes announced by the Bahrain-Merida squad have had no visible negative impact on the riders in recent weeks with Vincenzo Nibali finishing second overall at the Giro d’Italia and Dylan Teuns currently leading the Critérium du Dauphiné. Teuns, who won the second stage of the French stage race and holds a slender lead ahead of the all-important time trial on stage 4, believes that the recent appointment of Rod Ellingworth could have a positive impact on the team. Ellingworth left Team Ineos in May after Cyclingnews broke the story that he was in negotiations with Bahrain-Merida. Those discussions were led by McLaren who are set to increase their influence in the management of the team in 2020 and become the second sponsor. They bought into the team last winter and have a 50 per cent stake in the running of the squad.ADVERTISEMENT Their appointment of Ellingworth as the team principal originally cast doubt over the future of current team manager Brent Copeland but it now appears McLaren are keen to keep the South African on board owing to his experience in running the team and his extensive contacts within the world of professional cycling. Ellingworth, who has years of experience from his time at British Cycling and Team Sky, does not officially start his new role of team principal until October, but he will be well aware of the rider changes for next year. Nibali is leaving for Trek-Segafredo, with Mikel Landa set to replace him after agreeing terms several months ago. Double Giro d'Italia stage winner Pello Bilbao is also set to join Bahrain from Astana. Teuns was signed to the team by Copeland at the end of 2018 and has found some excellent form and results at the Critérium du Dauphiné. When asked about the management changes he appeared relaxed and told the media at his stage 3 press conference that they were a positive step.
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