Team Sky have continued their commitment to developing young British talent by signing Josh Edmondson on a two-year contract.

The 20 year old, who joins the team as a neo-pro, has quickly gained a reputation for his climbing prowess and has a string of impressive results already under his belt.

Two years living and competing in Italy for Team Colpack saw the Yorkshireman progress by taking on a tough programme of races before joining up with the Great Britain Academy in the latter part of the season.

Edmondson shot to prominence with a superb attacking performance at the Tour of Britain, routinely making the front selection as the race blew to pieces over tough and undulating terrain.

A top-10 finish at the arduous Giro Ciclistico Della Valle d’Aosta Mont Blanc earlier in the campaign had highlighted Edmondson’s potential, and saw him go toe to toe with the world’s best young climbers over the seven days of action.

An under-23 podium at the British National Road Race Championships was further evidence of the pedigree of a rider who finished fourth at the 2010 Junior World Championships.

Josh Edmondson said: “I’m really excited to be joining Team Sky, and to be taking this next step in my career. It’s an amazing set up and a huge project. Meeting the team you can see that it is one big unit and that the support you get - with the best coaches and nutritionists in the world - is second to none."

“I see myself as a climbing specialist but my main aim with Team Sky is to develop my tour riding and get used to competing alongside the best riders in the world.

“I think the first year is a lot about settling in and learning to be part of the team. I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone and further appreciating how to race at this level.”

Team Principal Dave Brailsford said: “This is an international team but it’s one with a British heart and we are absolutely committed to nurturing the next generation of British talent.

“We have been keeping an eye on Josh since his time on the Olympic Development Programme and feel he is more than ready to take the next step in his career with a move up to the pro ranks.

“With the coaching and support staff on Team Sky, Josh is in the best possible place to continue his development and we look forward to watching him grow as a rider.”