Kenny Elissonde confirmed as Team Sky's 'final' signing for 2017
The British squad announced the signing of the Frenchman shortly after confirming the recruitment of Diego Rosa
Team Sky confirmed their second signing of the day on Thursday, announcing that young French rider Kenny Elissonde will be joining the team for 2017 on a two-year deal.
Elissonde joins from FDJ, and was described by the British squad as their "final" signing of the year with five new recruits on board for 2017.
Italian Diego Rosa's move from Astana was also confirmed on Thursday morning.
25-year-old Elissonde, a specialist climber, is best known for his victory on the fierce Alto de l'Angliru at the 2013 Vuelta a España aged just 22.
Having completed five Grand Tours, Elissonde will be another experienced head to add to Sky's roster as they target results in all three of the Grand Tours next season.
"It's well known that Team Sky is one of the best teams in the world for climbers. I will learn a lot from all the staff and it's really exciting to be with the team," Elissonde said.
"I will try to learn from the team's leaders and be a good team player. I'm still young so it's important for me to learn, do the best I can, and improve at every aspect of the sport."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Team principal Dave Brailsford has in the past expressed his interest in winning the Tour de France with a French rider, but Elissonde will be the first rider from France to compete for the team since 2011.
"It's very cool to be the first French rider on the team for six years," Elissonde added. "This is a great opportunity for me."
Elissonde joins Owain Doull, Tao Geoghegan Hart Diego Rosa and Lukasz Wisniowski as one of Sky's new boys for next season.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
Who is leading the Giro d’Italia 2024 after stage 2?
Here are the riders who hold the Maglia Rosa, Maglia Ciclamino, Maglia Azzurra and Maglia Bianca after the second stage
By Joseph Lycett Published
-
Tadej Pogačar crashes, remounts to win Giro d'Italia stage 2 and take pink jersey
Slovenian overcomes late tumble to go 45 seconds clear in general classification
By Tom Davidson Published
-
Complete Giro d'Italia 2024 start list: Cian Uijtdebroeks and Olav Kooij lead Visma-Lease a Bike
All the teams and riders for the 107th Giro d'Italia
By Adam Becket Published
-
'It was time to change': No regrets for Rod Ellingworth after leaving Ineos Grenadiers
New Tour of Britain race director says he is still on good terms with Dave Brailsford after resigning from team last year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'I’m just here to enjoy it': Tom Pidcock on his surprise Paris-Roubaix appearance
British rider was a late addition to the Ineos Grenadiers team for the race across the pavé
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
The art of peaking with Geraint Thomas: 'It’s easy to take for granted that 9 times out of 10 I hit my goals'
The Welshman also calls for better governance in the sport to help it grow further
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers’ 500th victory was claimed by a woman; why do they still not have a team?
The British squad is one of the richest in cycling - but Ineos still won’t stump up for a women’s team
By Adam Becket Published
-
'This is so much more than a number': Six of the best Ineos Grenadiers wins as team claims 500th race victory
Pauline Ferrand-Prévot took the 500th team win at the weekend
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Tom Pidcock 'wouldn’t be surprised' to see attacks before the Poggio at Milan-San Remo
British rider will lead the line for Ineos Grenadiers alongside Filippo Ganna
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Ineos Grenadiers delighted with Egan Bernal’s late cameo on stage one of Paris-Nice
Colombian snapped up key bonus seconds in the general classification battle on run in to Les Mureaux
By Tom Thewlis Published