Astana have been another team busy during the transfer window, not content with resting on their Tour de France-winning laurels as they strengthen for next season.

Taaramae – whose fellow Estonian Tanel Kangert was a key domestique for Vincenzo Nibali at the Giro – will fulfil a similar role to his countrymen as he makes the step back up to WorldTour level.

With Astana looking to bid for further Grand Tour success this season through Nibali and Giro d’Italia third-place finisher Fabio Aru, Taaramae – who was second at this year’s Tour of Turkey – is set to play a big role in the mountains.

Team manager Alexandr Vinokurov said: “We are happy to sign Rein Taaramae to a one-year contract for 2015.

“The Estonian climber is a strong addition to our squad and we hope that with Astana Pro Team he finds a place to show his maximum potential.”

Taaramae has signed a one-year contract and joins Lars Boom, Luis Leon Sanchez, Diego Rosa and Davide Malacarne in agreeing to join the Kazakh-sponsored team.