Thursday 30 October 2014 14:52, UK
Team Sky have made Elia Viviani their sixth winter signing as they look to place more emphasis on sprinting in 2015.
The 25-year-old Italian joins the British squad after spending all five seasons of his professional career at the Cannondale team.
Amassing 30 wins during that time, Viviani is a consistent sprinter who will be hoping to make a step up next season in order to compete with the likes of Marcel Kittel and Mark Cavendish on a more regular basis.
Viviani, who secured omnium gold on the track at the recent European championships, is yet to claim a prestigious Grand Tour stage victory and cites a win at the Giro d'Italia as a main target
He confirmed: "This is the perfect move for me and the timing is right to make this big step in my career.
"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."
Sprint focus
Since Mark Cavendish left the team at the end of 2012 Team Sky have largely targeted success in stage races.
That focus looks set to shift with the arrival of Viviani, with Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford adding: "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."
