German road race champion Christian Knees has signed for Team Sky ahead of the 2011 season.

The 29-year-old joined Pegasus Racing at the end of last season after four years with Milram but sought a new team after the newly-formed Australian outfit were unable to secure a UCI Pro Continental licence.

Knees, who registered two top ten stage placings during the 2010 Tour de France, is Team Sky’s seventh new arrival ahead of their second season, joining David Appollonio, Alex Dowsett, Jeremy Hunt, Michael Rogers, Rigoberto Urán and Xabier Zandio in the 30-strong squad.

“Christian is a super strong all-rounder who has had some terrific results, but I still don’t think we have seen the best of him yet and hopefully we can help him fulfil his massive potential at Team Sky,” said team principal David Brailsford.

“His personality is one that will fit well into the team and we are delighted to have such an experienced rider on board. He has a lot of capabilities in a lot of areas and will increase the depth of ability we have here. It’s exciting to have secured his services.”

The 2011 season kicks off with the Tour Down Under in Australia from January 18-23. To view the full UCI WorldTour calendar, click here.