Team News: Sky sign Dario Cataldo

Team Sky announce the signing of Italian all-rounder Dario Cataldo on a two-year contract ahead of the 2013 season.

The reigning Italian Time Trial Champion, Cataldo has demonstrated his pedigree during six years in the pro ranks, spending the last four seasons at the Belgian Quick-Step outfit. With eight career Grand Tours under his belt Cataldo has considerable stage race experience at the highest level, taking a notable victory on the queen stage at the Vuelta a Espana in August on the steep ramps of the Cuitu Negru climb.

The 27-year-old shot to prominence early in his career, winning the 2006 “Baby Giro” before claiming two stages of the prestigious Tour de l’Avenir a year later. As comfortable against the clock in the time trial as he is powering up the climbs, 12th at the Giro d’Italia in the past two editions is evidence of Cataldo’s impressive capabilities over a three-week stage race.

Rider Dario Cataldo said: “I was really excited when the opportunity arose for me to come to Team Sky because it is such a big team, and a big organisation. Everybody knows this is the best team in the world, but there is still so much more they want to achieve.”

“This last season has been my best and I’ve been able to achieve all my goals. I put in a good ride at the Giro, I was able to win the Italian time trial championship, a stage at the Vuelta, and then competed at the World Championships. I want to build on those performances now and set new goals with Team Sky”

“I can time trial, climb well and also win out of small groups. I am committed to giving my all for this team and will do anything that is asked of me.”

Team Sky Sports Director Sean Yates said: “Dario has repeatedly proven that he can be there on the climbs during tough stage races. He has an impressive amount of experience for his age, and moving to Team Sky with a heavy focus on stage racing he will get a lot of support to develop further. A rider of his strength has the ability to work for the team leaders, but also has the potential to progress and become a GC contender in his own right.”