Team Sky will welcome Gianni Moscon as their second neo pro signing for the 2016 season. The 21 year old from Trento is the current Italian under-23 champion and has marked himself out as one of the world's best talents over the last 12 months.

In addition to the national road title he took in Badia Agnano last June, Moscon has also claimed victories at the Trofeo Citta si San Vendemiano and Trofeo Almar in 2015, and goes into Friday's World Championships as one of the favourites.

Moscon joins the team on a two-year contract from Zalf Euromobil Désirée Fior and follows Alex Peters in making the step up from the under-23 ranks.

On confirming his place on the team, Moscon said: "Joining Team Sky is an incredible opportunity at this stage in my career.

"For years I have admired the team's Grand Tour performances on TV. I never dreamt I would get the chance to join Team Sky, but I'm fully focused now on giving this my best shot and I hope to learn as much as I can from the team's top riders.

"I've had my most successful season to date this year. I feel ready to adapt and become a professional, and I look forward to helping my new team mates in any way I can over the next two seasons."

Team Principal Dave Brailsford said: "Gianni has performed consistently well this year and I believe he is Italy's best under-23 rider. He is strong, can climb, and possesses all-round ability.

"He is very stable, level-headed, has been coached well. He is ready to take the next step in his career and we can provide him with the best platform to progress."