Team Sky (UK) – Talented young rider Pavel Sivakov has signed for Team Sky and will join the team for the 2018 season.

"Pavel has all the qualities needed to become one of the best in the world", said Nicolas Portal.

Sivakov claimed an impressive solo breakaway win in the final mountain stage of this year’s Tour de l'Avenir, securing the Polka Dot jersey for best climber in the process.

At the tender age of 20, Sivakov has enjoyed an impressive season in the under-23 ranks, racking up three stage race victories to single himself out as one of the most exciting prospects in the sport.

In addition to winning the GiroBio (the under-23 version of the Giro d’Italia), Sivakov also secured overall success and stage victories at the Ronde de l’Isard and Giro della Valle d’Aosta.

A former winner of the junior Tour of Flanders, and runner-up at under-23 Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Sivakov is another bright prospect as Team Sky continue to build for the future.

Explaining his decision to sign for Team Sky, Sivakov said: “I’ve ridden well in stage races and, to me, Team Sky are the best stage racing team in the world". “I feel that Team Sky is where I can make the most progress and become the best rider I can be."

“I’m also very interested in the innovation side of the sport, and so that made Team Sky a good choice for me, knowing how there is a focus on that. I’m really interested in being part of that”.

Pavel explained how he came to know Team Sky Sports Director Nico Portal as a familiar face in his home area, the Pyrenees.

“I know Nico (Portal, Team Sky Sport Director) as he lives near the same area as me in France, in the Pyrenees. I moved there when I was very young, so I went to school and grew up in France". “Really, signing for Team Sky is a dream for me. I’m sure that I am going to learn so much from the guys next year and I’m really looking forward to it."

“It’s definitely a big step up. The team have told me there is no pressure and that I can focus on developing and learning, but I’m excited to be involved and to play my part in the team.”

Commenting on the signing, Team Sky Sport Director Nicolas Portal was full of praise for Pavel’s temperament both on and off the bike, “I’ve known Pavel for a few years. He has a good pedigree as both his parents were cyclists. He grew up at the foot of the Pyrenees, which might help to explain why he’s such a good climber! He’s also a really strong time triallist. He was a very good junior rider and he has progressed to become one of the very best under-23 riders in the world. Pavel is a really nice guy. He’s passionate about our sport, he’s committed and he’s motivated to succeed. He has all the qualities needed to become one of the best in the world.”