Team Sky have made a hat-trick of signings for the 2011 season – Rigoberto Urán, Xabier Zandio and Alex Dowsett.
Brit Dowsett, a product of the GB Academy and reigning European under-23 time-trial champion, has long been linked to a move from Trek-Livestrong to British pro outfit Sky.
The 21-year-old, Sky’s ninth British rider of whom six are aged 25 or under, will look to add the world title to his European crown in the under-23 time-trial in Geelong on Wednesday.
“We know just how talented Alex is and he’s been showing that this year, winning the under-23 individual time trial at the European Championships in Turkey this summer and getting some excellent results for the Trek-Livestrong Under-23 squad,” said team principal David Brailsford.
“He’s a real all-rounder with an incredibly bright future and we are looking forward to him developing with us at Team Sky and achieving his full potential.”
Columbian Urán, 23, finished third in the 2008 Giro Lombardia and seventh in this summer’s Tour of Switzerland.
Spaniard Zandio, 22nd in the 2005 Tour de France and an experienced climbing domestique, has completed 10 Grand Tours.
“These signings will strengthen our squad even further for our second season on the road,” added Brailsford.
“Rigoberto and Xabier join from Caisse d’Epargne and both should come to the fore in the mountains in the Grand Tours, an area we have been keen to focus on.
“Rigoberto is a super-talented rider who has some great results to his name this year and we are delighted that he has committed his future to Team Sky.
“He’s a young rider with fantastic prospects, exactly the sort of person we have been keen to get on board.
“He’s an excellent climber who has already shone in the Grand Tour environment and I’m sure he will continue to go from strength to strength.
“Xabier is a rock-solid climber who brings us real experience. He is someone who will give his team-mates absolutely everything in the mountains on exactly the sort of stages which decide Grand Tours.
“These three new additions sum up our squad perfectly – a blend of developing talent and Grand Tour experience with a strong British influence at the heart of it.”
