Team Sky have finally announced the signing of young British star Owain Doull.
The Welshman will join the team for the remainder of the 2016 season as a stagiaire, tackling select races before turning pro full time on the road in 2017.
The 23 year old is fresh from a rousing gold medal ride in Rio with the Great Britain team pursuit squad, and will now be looking to carry that momentum onto the road.
Doull achieved a breakthrough result last year while riding for the Wiggins team, claiming third place overall in front of a home crowd at the Tour of Britain.
On signing for the team Doull explained:
"When Team Sky formed in 2010 I was 16 years old and I'd just started racing properly as a junior. It's always been a bit of a boyhood dream to try and join Sky. So to finally be at a stage where I'm about to start racing for the team, and then joining the team properly in 2017, is a bit surreal.
"I've ridden against Sky at some of the bigger races like the Tour of Britain for team Wiggins. To see how they operate is pretty special. I've also been watching as a fan how the team race, tuning into events like the Tour and seeing how the riders go about that. It's something that's incredible to watch, and the way they approach big targets with all the preparation towards it - it's the next level."
Team Sky Team Principal Dave Brailsford said:
"Owain has consistently put in excellent performances on the track and the road and we think he has the potential to be an important part of the team.
"From a personal perspective it's always great to be bringing young British talent into Team Sky and it reflects very well on the investment and support Sky has provided through the British Cycling programme, the Wiggins team and, of course, Team Sky.
"We’re looking forward to having Owain as part of the team."
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