The fallout from Rod Ellingworth's shock decision to leave Bahrain McLaren immediately continues as Neil Stephens has now admitted that he joined the team from UAE team Emirates to work with Ellingworth, the former team principal They are.

Ellingworth tendered his resignation from Bahrain McLaren last Monday after talks with team management in Bahrain. His official departure was announced three days later, and Cycling News reported that Ellingworth had already decided on his next job.

Ellingworth spent nearly a year and a half with the team and was a major contributor to this year's success, finishing fourth overall in the Tour de France with Mikel Landa. He was also integral in bringing riders like Jack Hague to the team for next year, while agreeing to bring Neal Stephens on as a directeur sportif during the Vuelta a España.

"It seems a little crazy to leave a team that just won the Tour de France, but the lure of working with Rod was stronger than staying with the team I was with," Stephens told Cycling News on Monday morning.

"It was basically for Rod that I joined. I've always respected Rod and what he's done for Sky. I saw what he did in Bahrain and I was looking forward to working with him. It's just a bit of a strange situation that he's left."

Stefan told Cycling News that he does not begrudge the way the last few days have gone, but respects Ellingworth's decision and is looking forward to getting to know his new colleague.

Bahrain McLaren has yet to announce whether Ellingworth will be replaced directly, but general manager Milan Elsen told Cyclingnews that they are not rushing into a decision and will share some of Ellingworth's duties with the remaining staff on the team.

"I think the most important thing is that he makes the decision he thinks is right. I think I have to be re-directed and I have been in contact with others on the team. I've had very little contact with the other people on the team, mostly with Rod.

"In limbo" is a bit of a strong word, I think. First of all, Rod is making the right decision for him. I don't think 'in limbo' sums it up. I was very much looking forward to working with Rod, and it's not that I don't look forward to working with other teams.

"They have a really good roster and what attracted me to them is that they are a proven team but a very developing team. This team is going from strength to strength and trying to do a better job with every race. I think that's the kind of team that I have an advantage in."