Team Sky confirm Danny van Poppel signing
Last Updated: 27/09/15 8:43am
Team Sky are pleased to confirm Dutch sprinter Danny van Poppel as signing number four for the 2016 season.
Team Sky are pleased to confirm Dutchman Danny van Poppel as signing number four for the 2016 season.
The 22 year old sprinter from Utrecht made history in 2013 when he became the youngest rider to compete in the Tour de France since World War II. That year he also had the honour of wearing the white jersey for two stages and achieved no less than 17 top-10 finishes.
The following season he demonstrated his sprint and prologue capabilities with triumphs at the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen and Tour of Luxembourg, and in 2015 notched up three further victories, including his first Grand Tour stage win at the Vuelta a Espana.
On completing his two-year deal, van Poppel said: "I am about to complete my third year as a professional and feel ready to take my career to the next stage. I grabbed the opportunity to join Team Sky with both hands.
"With the knowledge and support they are able to offer, I believe I can grow, improve my performances, and support some of the world's best riders on the very biggest stage."
Team Principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: "We are very excited to have signed Danny. He burst on to the scene at an early age and is one of the youngest riders to have ever started the Tour de France.
"At 22 he's still young, and this change in environment will allow him to continue his development.
"Danny achieved a terrific stage victory in the Vuelta a Espana recently, proving he's a strong sprinter, and we also see him fitting into our Classics group in the seasons to come."
Van Poppel's signing follows those of Alex Peters, Gianni Moscon and Michal Golas.
