'The hard work starts now' says Harry Tanfield as he signs with Katusha-Alpecin for 2019

Harry Tanfield will ride for Katusha-Alpecin in 2019, having signed a two year deal with the Swiss squad.

The 23-year-old moves on from British continental team, Canyon-Eisberg.

Tanfield impressed Katusha-Alpecin bosses with his win at stage one of the Tour de Yorkshire, which saw him enter stage two in the leader's jersey.

This year he's also claimed a national title in the track individual pursuit, and was second in the Nationals time trial - to Geraint Thomas (Team Sky), taking the same position at the Commonwealth games solo event.

Tanfield, with Charlie, Dan Bigham and Jonathan Wale, was also part of the Team KFG pursuit quartet which achieved World Cup gold on the track in Minsk.

The Yorkshireman's first UCI win came in December last year, when he won the opening stage of the Tour of Quanzhou Bay.

“The WorldTour has always been the ultimate ambition. I have a foot in the door now and have two years to prove myself," Tanfield said in a press release.

“I had just set out on a training ride when [Katusha manager] José Azevedo rang me. I was over the moon. Now I just can’t wait to get started," he said. “I don’t pretend to think I have made it. The hard work starts now and the challenge is for me to show I can progress as a rider."

Tanfield's move means he will continue to ride bikes from the German manufacturer Canyon.

“I wanted to honour the faith Canyon has put in me, through Tim [Elverson] and Nick Allen [Canyon UK], so joining Katusha was always the dream" he said.

“I have to thank everyone at Canyon-Eisberg but especially Tim [Elverson]. We’ve worked together for three years and it has been a great ride.”

Azevedo signed British rider Alex Dowsett - who took third in the national time trial behind Tanfield - for the 2018 season.

Former pro Azevedo said: “We’ve been watching Harry with our partner Canyon for a while. He’s not only a talented time trial rider but we have seen on this year’s Tour de Yorkshire he has all the skills to win big races.

“While this is a big step for him now, we as a team will provide him with the best possible support to continue his positive development.”

Canyon-Eisberg sports director Tim Elverson said: “I’m super happy. It is great Harry’s work has been recognised because he really does deserve it.

“[The move] shows we are operating at a level where we can deliver someone to the WorldTour. Katusha are getting a very strong, young rider. Hopefully they can help him progress to the next stage and that is to be a reliable World Tour rider.

“I have no doubt that is what Harry will become. And from everyone at Canyon-Eisberg, we wish him the very best of luck.”