Joanna Rowsell admits it is with the 2016 Rio Olympics in mind that she has opted to race for the Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International Women’s Cycling Team in 2015.
The 25-year-old Briton, who helped Team GB claim team pursuit gold at London 2012, had been racing with Wiggle-Honda until revealing she has signed a two-year deal with Peal Izumi from 2015.
It means Rowsell will join forces with Katie Archibald, who rode alongside her as Great Britain defended their team pursuit world title in Cali earlier this year.
And Rowsell insists the ability to tailor a road programme that complements preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympics was a factor behind the move.
“I am delighted to be signing for the Pearl Izumi Sports Tours International squad for the next two years and having the security of knowing what my race schedule will look like as I aim to gain selection for Team GB in Rio 2016,” she said.
"The team has had incredible success since it started earlier this year and is known to be incredibly well organised both at races and with rider communications which made it an attractive team for me to join.
“I am keen to help continue the collective success of the team as I work on my own ambitions on the road and track.”
© Sportsbeat 2014