Sprinter Viviani joins Team Sky

DaveBrailsford

The 25-year-old Italian switches camp after five successful seasons with Cannondale, which brought 30 stage victories on assorted tours.

Since Cavendish moved on at the end of 2012, Team Sky have struggled in this department but Sir Dave Brailsford is delighted with their new recruit.

"I've followed Elia’s career for a long time, initially on the track and also as his career has progressed on the road," said the team principal.

"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."

Viviani is Team Sky's sixth signing for 2015, following on from Andrew Fenn, Leopold Konig, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Wout Poels and Nicolas Roche.

He added: "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."

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