Kenny Elissonde confirmed as Team Sky's 'final' signing for 2017

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."

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.