Team Sky has signed the talented Italian sprinter Elia Viviani for the 2015 season.
 
The 25 year old from Verona is one of the most accomplished finishers in the peloton, having claimed an impressive 30 victories since turning pro in 2010.
 
Viviani joins Team Sky after five successful seasons with Cannondale, where he competed in all three of cycling's Grand Tours and won significant stages at the Criterium du Dauphine, Tour of Beijing, USA Pro Challenge and Tour of Britain.
 
Viviani is the sixth new name to be unveiled by Team Sky ahead of the new season, following last month’s announcement that Andrew Fenn, Leopold König, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Wout Poels and Nicolas Roche will all be joining the squad from 2015.
 
On signing for Team Sky, Elia Viviani said: "This is the perfect move for me and the timing’s 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.

"Joining Team Sky is a great opportunity for me and I’m determined to bring them success."
 
Team Principal Dave Brailsford said: "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."