Cyclist Michael Vink has joined fellow New Zealander George Bennett at UAE Team Emirates.
Michael Vink Photo: PHOTOSPORT
30 year old Vink has signed a one year deal after riding last season with the Black Spoke team at the Continental level.
He is currently riding the Tour of Southland, an event he has won three times.
Vink impressed the UAE team with his performances on the virtual cycling platform 'My Whoosh'.
Mauro Gianetti (Team Principal & CEO) : "We're very pleased to welcome Michael into the team.
"While he has had some good results on the road before, we really became more aware of him through his performances on Whoosh," said UAE Team Emirates principal Mauro Gianetti.
"Throughout the year our riders use Whoosh as depending on the weather it's not always possible or practical to train outside.... in some of these races we began to see Michael's name popping up at the top of the results and contact was made."
Vink is obviously keen to finally be a part of a world pro team.
"I'm extremely grateful to be given this opportunity, to be asked to be a part of such a great team is truly humbling and is something I plan to take full advantage of.
"This is the start of a new chapter in my career and I can't wait to see what I can do in the World Tour peloton."
A third New Zealander Finn Fisher Black is also a part of UAE Team Emirates.