World individual time trial champion Rohan Dennis has signed a two-year deal with Team Ineos, the British team announced.
The 29-year-old Australian, who split with Bahrain-Merida this season, retained his title at the Road World Championships in Yorkshire, in September. Days after that victory, Bahrain-Merida announced they had terminated their contract with the rider earlier in the month.
His time with Bahrain-Merida ended in a row over the quality of the team kit being made available to him.
“This has been a dream of mine since turning professional”, said Dennis.
“Watching on from afar, I’ve always been a huge fan of the team – ever since the early years. It’s always been a goal of mine to ride for this team, so to finally fulfil that dream is a brilliant feeling and a huge honour.
“I already feel a connection to this team – a team that really believes in innovation, especially in time trialling, which is obviously something I’m hugely passionate about.
“I hope I can do the team colours proud over the course of my time here.”
Dennis will link-up with his new teammates for the first time at December Camp this week – and is in line to make his Team Ineos debut on home roads in Australia in the New Year.
“I’m really excited about getting to camp – it’s a crucial period, both in terms of building relationships and setting goals for the coming season.
“I know a lot of the guys already, from speaking in the peloton over the years, so there’s already friendships built, but building on those relationships and getting to know the whole team will be important.”
He added: “Racing in Australia is always special, especially for my family who rarely get to see me race – so it’ll be extra special to race for the first time for INEOS in front of them.”
