Team Sky sign Benat Intxausti from rivals Movistar

Image: Benat Intxausti won a stage of this year's Giro d'Italia

Team Sky have strengthened their climbing ranks by announcing the signing of Benat Intxausti from rival team Movistar.

The 29-year-old Spaniard will join the British squad on a two-year contract on January 1.

Intxausti has won two stages of the Giro d'Italia, in 2013 and 2015, and one stage of the Vuelta a Espana, in 2012, during his career, as well as taking the overall titles at the 2012 Vuelta a Asturias and 2013 Tour of Beijing.

He has spent the past five years working predominantly as a domestique in the mountains for the likes of Nairo Quintana and Alejandro Valverde.

Intxausti told teamsky.com: "I am very excited to be joining Team Sky. Since its creation, I have always been attracted to the way the team works, and have always dreamed of being a part of it. Joining was an easy choice for me." 

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Team Sky principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: "Benat has the capability to do two things: he can perform in his own right and also he can contribute to a team effort where required.

"We wanted to have him so that we have a strong team when we go for the very big races, but also that he has an opportunity to perform in his own right."

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Intxausti is Team Sky's fifth signing for the new season, following Alex Peters, Gianni Moscon, Michal Golas and Danny van Poppel.

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