'Manx missile' joins Dimension Data's cycling team

Mark Cavendish to front VAR's venture into world of road racing

"Manx missile" Mark Cavendish has been unveiled as one of three fresh recruits for Dimension Data's new cycling team.

The South Africa-based VAR and services firm last week inked a deal to become the new title partner of Ryder Cycling, which owns and manages cycling team MTN-Qhubeka. It became the first African team to compete in the Tour de France this year.

Today it was announced that sprint king Cavendish will be one of three riders to join the squad next year, which will be known as Team Dimension Data from 1 January 2016.

Mark Renshaw, who leads out Cavendish at the duo's current team, Etixx Quick-Step, is also switching allegiances, alongside Bernhard Eisel.

Brett Dawson, chief executive of Dimension Data, said: "Dimension Data welcomes Mark and his fellow riders to the team. We are very excited to be part of the squad's next steps on its journey to accelerate their ambitions, and look forward to helping the team to compete at the highest levels in world cycling, both on the African continent and across the world."

Cavendish (pictured) said: "It's fair to say that most of the peloton has seen how incredible the team raced this year. To join it with the target of helping to win even more races with other strong, experienced household cycling names like Mark Renshaw, Edvald Boasson-Hagen, Tyler Farrar, Daniel Teklehaimanot, Steve Cummings and of course Bernie Eisel is going to be really special, as well as assisting the talent of the young, African riders to top-level success."