Bradley Wiggins joins Team Sky

Bradley Wiggins has joined Team Sky in a four-year deal that will see the Briton through to the end of 2013.

The move puts an end to months of speculation over where Wiggins would ride in 2010.

Wiggins had a contract to ride for Garmin in 2010, but has found a way of rescinding the contract one year early.

"Brad will be at home in Team Sky," explained Dave Brailsford this morning. "It is the perfect fit and he will be a marquee rider for us.

The move means that Sky finally has a rider capable of challenging for the overall in the Tour de France.

"He is an exceptional athlete - a great performer at a great age. And he will get better still. At Team Sky he can continue to develop, surrounded by some of the coaches and performance experts who have worked with him for years as part of the British Cycling set-up. With his experience he will help us to develop our great young talents too," Brailsford added.

"Brad was a real revelation at this year's Tour de France, has been hugely successful for British Cycling and his Olympic success has brought wide recognition.  

"His presence will not only help us on the road but with the wider aims of inspiring people to not only follow the team but to get out and ride, whatever their age or ability."

Wiggins was equally happy with the move to the British team.

"I agree with Dave that moving to Team Sky is like coming home," he commented. "I'll be on a British team with management and coaches who have shaped me as a rider. They are instrumental in my achievements so far and I know they are critical for the next part of my career."

More later...