Downing makes team switch

The former British champion joins the Scottish outfit from Team Sky where he picked up a stage victory at the Criterium International and a stage and overall win at the Tour de Wallonie.

Much of Downing's 2011 season was spent in support of his team leaders and he put in a gutsy performance at the Giro d'Italia in May, when he rode with several broken ribs to finish his first Grand Tour.

On top of the signings already announced, the signing of Downing brings a wealth of racing experience into the refreshed squad and we go into 2012 with a team that can once again punch above its weight in races all over the world.

He said: "I'm really excited about joining Endura after a couple of great years with Sky.

"I've been speaking to Brian Smith, Endura's General Manager, for several months now about the team and it's great to finally put pen to paper.

"Endura Racing have an impressive looking race schedule for 2012 and I'm looking to get back to winning ways, to help build on the what the team achieved in 2011."