If he were a footballer Chris Sutton would, like the other Chris Sutton, be a striker, with the classic goalscorer's instinct of being in the right place at the right time, and the ability to apply the perfect finish.

The 25-year old from New South Wales is a sprinter who demonstrated this ability on stage one of the 2009 Tour of Britain, when he emerged at the head of a large bunch to win the stage into York; he followed that with three consecutive stage victories at the Herald Sun Tour.

Sutton is one of the many Australian cyclists to have moved to Europe in pursuit of a professional career, initially with the French Cofidis squad. But he has strong links with British cycling, with his father, Gary, a leading professional on the British circuit in the 1980s. His uncle, Shane, was another prolific winner in the UK in the 1980s and 90s, and is now, of course, the head coach at Team Sky.

"I've known about the British track programme for a long time through Uncle Shane and Dave Brailsford," says Sutton. "Knowing all about their success, and where they've come from, definitely helped persuade me to join Team Sky. I could see that it was all about the riders - that the emphasis is on them, and they're really supported."

Sutton expects to play a team role throughout the season, with selected races where he will be able to hone his striker's instinct, and go for the win. "There'll be certain races in which I'll be supported to try and win," says Sutton. "But it's all about the team, and I'm happy to play a team role as well. What goes around comes around - I'll help other guys some days, and they'll help me on others.

"I feel blown away to be part of this team," he continues. "It's an honour to wear the jersey and I'll wear it with pride. If you can't perform on this team then you can't perform on any team. I don't just think I'll improve here - I know I can get better performances from myself."