Jonathan Tiernan-Locke signs contract with Team Sky

Tour of Britain winner Jonathan Tiernan-Locke has signed for Team Sky on a two-year deal.

The 27-year-old impressed last season for former team Endura Racing with the highlight being his Tour of Britain victory in September.

Tiernan-Locke was the first British rider to win the event in 19 years.

"Although I've really enjoyed my time at Endura, I couldn't pass up the chance to join the world's best team," said Tiernan-Locke.

The Plymouth-born cyclist also won the Tour Mediterranean in 2012 and finished a commendable 19th for Great Britain at the World Road Race Championships in September.

"This season's results have given me a lot of confidence and I can't wait to compete at the very top of the sport. I'm under no illusions - it's going to be a big step up," he said.

"When you look at the season Team Sky have had, to even be considered by them was a massive honour for me, so I'm over the moon to be riding for them in 2013."

In 2005, Tiernan-Locke was struck down with a virus that forced him out of the sport and he opted to go to university before returning to cycling in 2008.

Team Sky boss Dave Brailsford says the sport will now see the best of Tiernan-Locke.

"We believe he is in the best place to achieve his full potential and are looking forward to having him on the team," said Brailsford.