Russell Downing has been the best home-based rider of recent years, and in 2010 the Yorkshireman will finally get his chance to shine on the big stage with Team Sky.

In 2009 he proved that it is an opportunity he richly deserves, scoring a career-best win at the Tour of Ireland, where he escaped on the final day with another Team Sky recruit, Lars Petter Nordhaug, to grab the overall victory from a high quality field that included Lance Armstrong.

With Team Sky, the 31-year old Downing knows that he will be required to play a team role. But he also hopes to be able to show what he can do on selected days, when he can put his fast finish to good use.

"I think I'll have a dual role," says Downing. "In the shorter stage races I can maybe pick off a few stages to go for. But I know there are quicker guys than me on the team, and, in the bigger races, I will help them. I've always been more or less on my own in races, but the opportunity to work in a big team is one I'm really looking forward to."

The Tour of Ireland success sealed Downing's place on Team Sky, and he followed it with further proof that he has what it takes against the best in the world. At the Tour of Britain, dominated by another rider bound for Team Sky, Edvald Boasson Hagen, he placed third on two stages, and was the best of the British riders in fifth overall.

Now he is ready to seize his chance. "The last two years have definitely been my strongest," says Downing. "But since I signed for Sky my motivation has been super high. They're giving me the chance I've dreamed of. I don't feel I have anything to prove to anyone, but I want to grab this opportunity and enjoy it."