George Bennett, a 23-year-old climber from New Zealand, has joined Cannondale, the team announced in a release.

The Kiwi rider rode for Radioshack team for the recent two years, obtaining some promising result, with a 8th overall result in USA Pro Challenge perhaps the best one of them. While there are other teams that are interested in the New Zealand rider's service, including BMC and Garmin, Bennett chose the Italian-based team, although that means more difficulty in adapation, including language issues.

Bennett sees Cannondale as a ideal place for his development, as he comments, "Joining Cannondale is a huge opportunity for me, I have always admired the way they race and the way they win. I am really excited to be a part of that next year. I think there is a wealth of experience in the staff and riders that I can tap into and keep making big steps forward."

In recent years Cannondale/Liquigas team produced some exciting climbing talents, like last years Giro winner Nibali and Amstel winner Kreuziger, although both obtained the result after leaving the Cannondale team. Cannondale is looking to continue this tradition as well, having hauled in Slovenia super talent Mohoric and several other Italian talents already.

Bennett is also seen by the team as a promising talent, "We are excited to have George join our team, he is a very good young talent who we look forward to working with and helping him to continue his development as a pro bike rider. As a good climber, he can continue to develop here and show himself well in some of the hillier races." said Roberto Amadio, Cannondale's manager.