Thursday 4 August 2016 15:09, UK
Vincenzo Nibali has been confirmed as the first signing for the new Bahrain-Merida team, which will start racing in 2017.
Nibali, 31, is one of only six cyclists in history to win all three Grand Tours, having been victorious in the 2010 Vuelta A Espana, 2014 Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia in 2013 and 2016.
He has been with Astana since 2013 but will move to the Bahrain-backed, Italy-based team next year with a number of high-profile riders also being linked with the team. His long-time coach Paolo Slongo is also expected to join the team.
Bahrain-Merida was officially launched on Monday and Lampre-Merida manager Brent Copeland was placed in charge, with hopes that it will compete as a WorldTour team in its first year.
"I was immediately fascinated by the idea of a strong project plan built around me," Nibali said.
"I have believed in the team from day one, because it has a clear vision and is to be carried out by some of the best professionals in the sport.
"This trust and confidence in me made me take the final decision for this new exciting adventure of my career. I can't wait to meet their expectations at the most important races in the world wearing the jersey of Bahrain-Merida."
