Mikel Landa signs for Movistar from Team Sky

Chris Froome’s talented deputy played a major supporting role in the British rider’s 2017 Tour de France victory, but was reportedly unhappy about Team Sky’s reluctance to let him challenge Froome’s General Classification lead.

A link to Nairo Quintana’s Movistar has been heavily mooted all year, and the Spanish-speaking team today confirmed Landa’s move.

The 27-year-old Basque cyclist will make the switch at the start of 2018 and has committed to two seasons with his new team.

“It’s great news for us,” Movistar general manager Eusebio Unzué said.

“Being still a young rider and with everything that’s he’s shown, he should be the rider who leads Spanish cycling for the next few years.”