British ace Steve Cummings is the latest big-name signing bound for Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung next season after the African team confirmed the capture of the Wirral-born rider.

Cummings, 33, joins a host of big-names set to line up for the team, who this year became the first African outfit to start a Grand Tour when they competed at the Vuelta a Espana, after confirming his departure from BMC Racing after three years.

He will join former Team Sky team-mate Edvald Boasson Hagen on the books for the 2015 season, while Theo Bos (from Belkin), Tyler Farrar (Garmin-Sharp) and Matt Goss (Orica-GreenEDGE) have also signed for the UCI Pro Continental team.

And Cummings, who won the Tour Mediterraneen this year before suffering an injury-hit second half of the season, believes taking a step down from WorldTour level will actually prove to be a step forward.

“I’m delighted and especially excited to have signed with MTN- Qhubeka,” he said. “I see it as a positive progression despite having been on World Tour teams the last few years.

“I feel the opportunities I will have with the team both individually and in support of my team-mates will lead to many successes for us all.

“I have had some great results in time trials this season, especially winning the TT stage before going on to win the general classification of the Tour of the Mediterranean.

“I hope to improve even more next year and also race for stage and road race wins but in the same instance, assist the team strongly at all times so we all can obtain the best results possible.”

And Cummings, who was part of the Great British team at last week’s World Championships, is eagerly anticipating the new campaign.

“I really can’t wait to be part of this project and meet up with the team,” he said. “There is a wonderful group of riders that have already enjoyed success and with the new wave of exciting signings, I feel sure I can help add to this.

“I am also looking forward to riding again with Eddy Boasson Hagen and helping to achieve the results his talent deserves.”

Team principal Douglas Ryder added his belief in the importance of Cummings’ all-round ability.

Ryder concluded: “Steve is a great all-rounder with super strength in the time trial, his abilities and experience will benefit the team in the Classics and in the stage races as we look to become one of the most consistent high performing teams in 2015.”