Sky has announced their first major signing for next season as they have inked a one-year deal with Irish climber Philip Deignan. Having previously finished in the top 10 in the Vuelta a Espana and been one of dominant climbers in North America during the past two seasons, the Irishman is set to be an important mountain domestique in the grand tours.

Following a two-year stint in North America, Philip Deignan will be back at the highest level of the sport when he joins Team Sky on a one-year deal for the 2014 season. The British team has announced that they have signed the Irishman who will become the first from his country to join the world's leading grand tour team.

Deignan turned professional with Ag2r in 2005 but his first seasons were hampered by numerous injuries. He had an injury-free season in 2009 and promptly delivered on his promises by winning a prestigious stage to Avila in the Vuelta and finishing 9th overall.

Illness hampered his 2010 season and he never found his best legs when he joined Radioshack for the 2011 season. He stepped down a level by signing with the UnitedHealthCare team where he has had the chance to race as a team leader in the major North American stage races.

This year he has had an outstanding season, winning the Tour of the Gila, finishing runner-up at the Tour de Beauce, and claiming top-10 finishes at both the Tours of Utah, California and the USA Pro Challenge.

“I’m really excited to get the opportunity to race for the biggest team in the world and to be able to ride for some of the best riders in the world," he said. "It’s going to be a big challenge but I’m really looking forward to it."

“It’s a fantastic team where nothing is left to chance with the coaching and the diet – which will really suit the type of rider that I am.  Team Sky will offer me the kind of environment I need to be in to help me perform to the best of my ability."

“I spent a few years in the WorldTour before moving over to America for two great seasons racing with UnitedHealthcare, who I really must thank for such great support both on and off the bike over the past two seasons.  I now feel like I’m at the level where I can race in the WorldTour in Europe so when I got the opportunity to head back there with Team Sky it was hard to resist.”

Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford sees Deignan as a valuable mountain domestique in the grand tours.

“Everyone at Team Sky is very excited to have Philip join us from the start of next season," he said. “We’re well aware of what he is capable of on a bike.  He’s a climber of real quality and he will certainly strengthen our squad even further in stage race competition."

“He brings experience to the team and we believe he belongs at this level.  It’s great to finally have an Irish rider on our roster and I’m certain that under our coaches and performance staff there is a lot more to come from Philip.”

Deignan is the second addition to the 2014 roster following the signing of neo-pro Nathan Earle in June.