Spain’s Mikel Landa, considered one of the cycling world’s top climbers, has signed with Team Sky for the 2016 season, the squad announced Saturday.
The 25-year-old Basque rider won two stages of the Giro d’Italia this season on his way to a third-place finish and captured another stage win at the Vuelta a Espana. He has raced in six Grand Tours in five professional seasons.
“This is a great opportunity for me,” Landa said. “The team has an excellent reputation for being professional and methodical and I know I can continue to develop and improve with their guidance.”
Landa’s signing is Team Sky’s sixth for next year, following deals with Alex Peters, Gianni Moscon, Michal Golas, Danny van Poppel and Benat Intxausti.
Team Principal Dave Brailsford said Sky has had an eye upon Landa since his earliest pro days.
“He has always demonstrated a big talent and we have always recognised that,” said Brailsford. “He really stepped up at the Giro d’Italia this year, but we had already identified him as a target.
“He has shown he is one of the best climbers in the world and he is only 25.” – Agence France-Presse
