Alex Dowsett leaves Team Sky for Movistar

Alex Dowsett has announced that he is leaving Team Sky to join Movistar.

The British time trial champion becomes the third person to exit the team in a week following the fallout from the sport's doping scandal.

Sporting director Steven De Jongh and race coach Bobby Julich both stepped down after admitting to taking performance-enhancing drugs in the wake of the Lance Armstrong controversy.

Dowsett said: "This isn't a decision I have taken lightly. Sky is a fantastic team and I was flattered that they wanted me to stay but I have a new opportunity and a new chapter of my career."

The rider has agreed a two-year contract with the Spanish team ahead of the 2013 season.