Team Sky have announced that under 23 Tour of Flanders champion Salvatore Puccio from Italy will join as a neo-pro for the 2012 season.

One of cycling’s most exciting talents, 21 year old Puccio has enjoyed a successful season. As well as his Tour of Flanders win he has achieved a stage victory at the Toscana – Coppa delle Nazioni and podium positions at the Giro del Belvedere di Villa di Cordignano, GP Palio del Recioto and Baby Giro.

Dave Brailsford, Team Sky Principal, said:

“Italy is renowned for producing talented young riders and in Salvatore we have uncovered a real gem. Not only will he have plenty to offer us in stage races throughout the season, he is also equally comfortable toughing it out in the one-day Classics and his grit and determination make him a hugely exciting prospect for the future.

“At Team Sky we’ll be doing everything we can to ensure he fulfils his potential but there won’t be any undue pressure placed upon him and he’ll be able to learn at his own pace, just like all the other young guys on the team.”

Salvatore Puccio said:

“I think Team Sky are the best choice for any young rider in the world at the moment and signing for them has made a dream of mine become a reality. They have such a strong, positive image and I’ve been really impressed by the way they have organised their work in the few years that they have been around.”

“I will be important for me to have experienced Italian riders in the squad like Dario Cioni and Morris Possoni, and of course I have a close friend here in Davide Appollonio. I spoke to him before I signed and he answered all the questions I had about the team and I trust him when he says I will be very happy here.

“It is the Classics where I am probably at my best and if I continue to train hard, hopefully I can become a specialist on those types of courses. My hero is Oscar Freire and it would be great to be the same type of rider as him. I know I have a long way to go though until I am at that level – it’s a long way to the top but with Team Sky I hope to get there.”