Tinkoff-Saxo’s raid of Cannondale continued when they announced the capture of two-time former Giro d’Italia winner Ivan Basso.

The Italian veteran, 36, will join his fellow Cannondale men Peter Sagan, Juraz Sagan and Maciej Bodnar on the books of the Danish/Russian team next season.

And Basso, who signed a two-year deal with the team, believes he is joining the world’s premier team.

“I’ve signed a two-year contract with Tinkoff-Saxo,” he said. I’m really impressed by Oleg Tinkov’s project.

“It’s the best team in the world and I’m proud to be a part of that.

“I will start from scratch with the determination and desire of a new professional, but with the head and experience of a veteran.”

Basso will join a team who, alongside boasting the signing of Sagan, already have Alberto Contador, Tour de France King of the Mountains and Tour of Poland winner Rafal Majka and Michael Rogers on their books.

Rogers, who won three Grand Tour stages this season, confirmed he had signed a new contract with the team earlier this month too.

And team owner Oleg Tinkov believes the team they are building can compete for multiple Grand Tour honours.

He said: “I have always liked Ivan. Now I’m happy to have him in our team because I know how serious and dedicated he is. I believe that he can be an important asset for conquering the pink jersey at Giro.”