Team Sky name Gianni Moscon as second of seven new signings

Team Sky have announced the signing of up-and-coming Italian rider Gianni Moscon.

The 21-year-old will turn professional with the British squad when he joins on a two-year contract on January 1 from amateur outfit Zalf Euromobil Desiree Fior.

Moscon has established himself as one of the most exciting young talents in the sport over the past year, having won the under-23 Giro di Lombardia last October, the Italian under-23 road race title this summer and finished second in under-23 Tour of Flanders in April.

He is predominantly a climber but also has all-round talents and can consequently be utilised in a wide variety of races.

Moscon told teamsky.com: "Joining Team Sky is an incredible opportunity at this stage in my career. For years I have admired the team's grand tour performances on TV. I never dreamt I would get the chance to join Team Sky, but I'm fully focused now on giving this my best shot and I hope to learn as much as I can from the team's top riders.

"I've had my most successful season to date this year. I feel ready to adapt and become a professional, and I look forward to helping my new team mates in any way I can over the next two seasons."

Team Sky principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: "Gianni has performed consistently well in the under-23 ranks. I would say he is Italy's best under-23 this year.

"He is strong, he can climb and he has got all-round ability. He is very stable, very level-headed, he has been coached well and he is very much ready for that next step. Hopefully we can provide him with the opportunity and the platform to progress in the next couple of years."

Moscon is the second new signing announced by Team Sky for the coming season, following 21-year-old Briton Alex Peters.

Team Sky tweeted on Wednesday that they would making seven signings this winter, meaning that five other riders are likely to be announced imminently.