Jonathan Tiernan-Locke Joins Team Sky

Tour of Britain winner Jonathan Tiernan-Locke has today officially joined Team Sky on a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old became the first British victor of his home tour in 19 years when riding for the Endura cycling team, but will now find himself riding alongside the likes of Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins in Sky colours.

Tiernan-Locke's Tour of Britain victory earned him a place at the 2012 UCI World Road Race Championships in Holland last month, where he finished a credible 19th in the flagship 269km road race.

Those two performances highlighted the Plymouth-born rider's potential, and speaking to Sky Sports he said he was delighted to be joining Team Sky. He told reporters: "It’s an incredible opportunity for me to step up from the UCI Continental ranks, and although I’ve really enjoyed my time at Endura, I couldn’t pass up the chance to join the world’s best team.

“When you look at the season Team Sky have had, to even be considered by them was a massive honour for me, so I’m over the moon to be riding for them in 2013."

Tiernan-Locke also alluded to the magnitude of the rise to the elite Pro Cycling ranks. "I’m under no illusions, it’s going to be a big step up," he told Sky.

"But with all the support I’ll receive from the coaching staff, and having such talented riders around me, I’ll definitely be looking to up my game."