Joanna Rowsell has confirmed that she will be leaving Wiggle Honda to join Pearl Izumi Sports International Tours at the end of the season.
The British team, founded by Dame Sarah Storey, do not compete in every Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) event, but Rowsell is excited by the switch as she steps up her preparations for the 2016 Olympics.
"I have been with Wiggle Honda for two seasons, who are a big UCI team, and while Pearl Izumi aren't a UCI team, they still do some UCI races, so there will be a lot of opportunities for me both at home and abroad," the Olympic champion told members of the media.
"I am excited about having a UK-based team and the support of the UK races. The main thing for me is that we are two years out from Rio, and it will be really good to have that backing."
Rowsell's announcement comes just a week after Laura Trott confirmed that she would also be leaving Wiggle Honda.
Callum Mulvihill
