Elia Viviani to join Quick-Step Floors from Team Sky

Viviani, 28, spent three years with Team Sky, winning his only Tour stage with them at the Giro d'Italia in 2015.

Viviani said he couldn't say no to the offer from Quick-Step and that he believes now is the right time to move on.

"I also want to thank Team Sky for the three years spent together and the great memories, but now the time has come to take on a new challenge. This is the right step in my career, because I'm confident it can help me progress. I am 28 now and I really want to find out next season what I can do in an outfit which gives me opportunities. I'm also excited about being on the same team with Fernando Gaviria, one of the fastest riders in the peloton, who I got to know from the events we raced together as opponents in the past two seasons."

The announcement of Viviani's arrival came shortly after it was confirmed that Marcel Kittel would be joining Katusha-Alpecin.

He will re-unite with former team-mate Fabio Sabatini who has been with Quick-Step since 2015.

In the same press release it was confirmed that Sabatini has extended his contract by two years. And he was thrilled to see Viviani join the team.

"I am happy Elia joined the team, it will be really great to work together with him again. When Patrick talked with me and explained this new project, I was enthusiastic. Both Patrick and the team showed how much they believe in me, so it was only natural to extend my contract and continue helping this great squad!"