Earle to bolster Team Sky's ranks next season

The Tasmanian is the first Team Sky acquisition for next year's campaign and continues the team's commitment to developing up-and-coming talent.

The 25 year old has quickly gained a reputation as a strong climber after a string of impressive results this season both in the Australian National Road Series and abroad, including wins at the New Zealand Cycle Classic, Tour de Taiwan and Tour of Japan.

Earle, who rode with Team Sky's fellow Tasmanian Richie Porte for two years for the Praties squad (currently Huon Salmon - Genesys Wealth Advisors), between 2008 and 2009, has firmly established himself as a rider ready to make the step up to WorldTour level.

"It's a really good feeling to have signed for Team Sky," said Earle. "This was the next step I was looking to take and I'm lucky enough to be signing with the most well-drilled team in the pro peloton. I'm excited to get amongst that and work for the team. It's pretty special and I can't wait to get started next year.

Stepping up

"For my first year I'm just happy to get amongst it and do as I'm told, basically. It's a big enough step as it is moving up to the pro level. I'm going in with open ears. I want to learn as much as I can, do as I'm told, and do a good job for the team.

"To be riding alongside the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome and Richie Porte is a real honour. Richie has always been someone I've looked up to since we were team-mates. It's a real inspiration to see how he has progressed at Team Sky and I hope to follow in his footsteps."

With his results in 2013 turning heads, Earle said of his riding style: "I think I'm a little bit of an all-rounder. I'm definitely a climber. Not a pure climber, but more of a punchy climber. I can hang in there with the best guys and I've still got a bit of a sprint on me at the end. I specialise in small bunch kicks at the top of climbs. That's my forte."

Strong climber

Team Sky Head of Performance Support, Tim Kerrison added: "We're delighted that Nathan will be joining us from the start of the 2014 season. He has shown great qualities and a strong mentality that we look for in Team Sky riders and he will be a great addition to the team.

"Nathan has proven he is a great climber and has been winning quite a few races in Australia and Asia in the last 12 months.

"The Australian system has identified him physiologically as being a real talent and we're starting to see that with his results on the road. He recently won the Tour of Toowoomba in Australia, winning the hard uphill finish on stage two and has a number of other good wins under his belt.

"He knows and has ridden with riders on the team and they've attested to his ability. He's a rider who we think we can take from the development ranks and turn him into a quality WorldTour rider."