One of the brightest talents in British cycling, Luke Rowe marked himself as an outstanding candidate to jump up to WorldTour level with a string of impressive results.

Taking victory in the ZLM Tour twice in the last three years (most recently in 2011), Rowe took on a who’s who of up and coming talent and came out on top.

The Welshman has also claimed wins in the under-23 Thuringen-Rundfahrt, held the lead at the Tour de Normandie and collected numerous top-five placings at important events like the Tour de l’Avenir and Olympia’s Tour.

Equally at home on the track, yet with an eye for the Classics and packing an impressive turn of speed, the British Cycling Academy graduate will be allowed the time to develop as a rider with a first year built around getting used to the pro ranks.

One of two neo-pros to join the team for 2012, Rowe admits: “It was a massive moment to get the contract signed and I can’t wait to pull on the Team Sky jersey next season not. I’m a pretty patriotic guys so it’s a dream come true to be riding for a British team at WorldTour level – it’s all I’ve ever wanted really.

“I grew up with Swifty, Pete, Stannard and Dowsett and G only lived three miles away from me back home, so yes, I know them all really well. I’d probably describe Pete as my best mate actually, and he’s got me fully clued up on what to expect. Knowing those five guys will be a big help in terms of me settling in hopefully it’ll help me gel with the other guys as well.

“As for my goals, I’d like to think I’m a bit of an all-rounder so getting a Grand Tour under my belt in the next two years would be absolutely fantastic. In time I would also like to be able to go well in the Classics but yes, for now it’s just a matter of getting myself up to speed with life as a pro.”