Vuelta a Espana runner-up Chris Froome has signed a new three-year deal with Team Sky.

Froome’s second place finish at the Vuelta was Great Britain’s best result at a Grand Tour for 24 years, when Robert Millar finished second in the Giro d’Italia.

Froome’s contract with Sky was due to expire at the end of the season but, with other teams circling, the British outfit have moved quickly to secure the 26-year-old’s signature.

“Standing on the podium at this year’s Vuelta a Espana was the highlight of my professional career so far,” said Froome, who won stage 17 of the race. “But that success was only possible because of everyone at Team Sky, both on and off the road, and so I am absolutely delighted to be signing an extension to stay with the team for the next three years.

“Team Sky has made a tremendous impact on professional cycling in a very short space of time. We have an outstanding backroom team and some of the most talented riders in the peloton. I am very much looking forward to going into future events with the current support structure behind me.”

Froome proved the Vuelta’s surprise package, moving into the overall lead after finishing second on the stage ten individual time trial.

Despite leading the race, Froome continued to work for Sky leader Bradley Wiggins, who then moved into the red jersey on stage 11 before eventual champion Juan Jose Cobo (Geox-TMC) took control with victory on the Alto del Angliru summit finish.

With Wiggins going on to finish third overall, Great Britain ended the race with two riders on the podium for the first time ever.

“Chris’ performance at the Tour of Spain was tremendously exciting and generated much interest and competition for his services from other teams,” said team principal Dave Brailsford, who also secured the services of Australian Richie Porte earlier this month.

“In light of this we are very pleased that he has chosen Team Sky as the best place to continue his career. We are all very much looking forward to supporting Chris’ future development and working with him to consolidate and build on his breakthrough performance over the coming seasons.”

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