The first new rider to sign a deal with the Chinese project TJ Sport which is currently known as Lampre-Merida, is Ben Swift.

Pro since 2009, Swift has 14 victories to date. Furthermore, he finished runner-up in the 2016 Milano-Sanremo and third in the same race in 2014. The British rider has also enjoyed success on the track, winning gold in the scratch race at the 2012 World Championships, adding to his tally of three World Championship silver medals.

Swift's profile as a rider suits perfectly the goals of the sports group, especially given his future ambitions for the Italian classic Milano-Sanremo.

Swift, who signed a two years deal, commented:

"I am really excited for this new professional opportunity and I look forward to starting a new chapter of my career. I believe it will allow me to develop further as a rider and hopefully enjoy more success in the seasons ahead. I would like to thank Sir Dave Brailsford and everybody at Team Sky who have helped me over the last 7 years.

"TJ Sports management demonstrated a great confidence in my qualities and I was immediately fascinated by their project. It is founded on a sports group that has been at the top level of the world cycling for 25 years, so I will find in my new team a lot of experience and a very high level of professionalism”.

With the signing of Swift and the renewal of the contract of Diego Ulissi and Rui Costa, Lampre-Merida have a lot of points which should virtually guarantee them a spot in the 2017 WorldTour.