“When Team Sky formed in 2010 I was 16 years old and I’d just started racing properly as a junior,” he said.

“It’s always been a bit of a boyhood dream to try and join Sky. So to finally be at a stage where I’m about to start racing for the team, and then joining the team properly in 2017, is a bit surreal.

“I’ve ridden against Sky at some of the bigger races like the Tour of Britain for team Wiggins. To see how they operate is pretty special.

“I’ve also been watching as a fan how the team race, tuning into events like the Tour and seeing how the riders go about that. It’s something that’s incredible to watch, and the way they approach big targets with all the preparation towards it – it’s the next level.”

– Owain Doull interview – “I wrote a four-year plan to win gold and turn pro” –

Doull is the latest in a long line of track champions to represent Team Sky with Geraint Thomas and Peter Kennaugh – team pursuit gold medallists in London four years ago – already on the roster.

Team principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: “Owain has consistently put in excellent performances on the track and the road and we think he has the potential to be an important part of the team.

“From a personal perspective it’s always great to be bringing young British talent into Team Sky and it reflects very well on the investment and support Sky has provided through the British Cycling programme, the Wiggins team and, of course, Team Sky.

“We’re looking forward to having Owain as part of the team.”