Italian sprinter Elia Viviani has become Team Sky’s sixth signing ahead of the 2015 season.

The 25-year-old ends his five-year spell with the Cannondale Pro Cycling team, which is set to merge with Garmin-Sharp, to join Team Sky as the British-based squads seeks to bolster its sprint firepower.

Last month Team Sky announced that Andy Fenn, Leopold König, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Wout Poels and Nicolas Roche will all be joining the squad from January 2015.

Viviani held the red jersey for two stages at the 2014 Giro d’Italia and recorded two stage wins at this year’s Tour of Turkey, as well as victories at the Settimana Internazionale di Coppi e Bartali, Tour of Slovenia and USA Pro Challenge.

Viviani, who is a three-time European gold medallist on the track, has ridden all three of cycling’s Grand Tours but is yet to record a stage win and is hoping that will change with Team Sky in 2015.

“This is the perfect move for me and the timing’s right to make this big step in my career,” said Viviani.

“I know exactly how Team Sky works and the professionalism, rider development and work ethic is exactly what I’m looking for.

“I hope that with my new team mates and staff I’ll be able to reach all the goals I have and this will be the perfect environment for me to do that. As an Italian rider my dream is to win a stage at the Giro d’Italia, and that’s a big target for me next season.”

Team Sky boss Sir Dave Brailsford added: “I’ve followed Elia’s career for a long time, initially on the track and also as his career has progressed on the road.

“He has a fantastic temperament and is a fast finisher. We’re looking to have a greater focus on sprinting next year and Elia will help us pursue that goal.

“We’re very happy to welcome him to Team Sky and to support his ongoing development.”