Speculation about Bradley Wiggins’ professional cycling future has come to an end with the news he will join Team Sky.

The three-time Olympic champion confirmed his decision to sign for the British-run road team at a press conference in London. Wiggins, 29, who is currently under contract with Team Garmin-Transitions, has long been linked with a move to the BSkyB-backed outfit.

Team Sky, which is led by British Cycling performance director Dave Brailsford, is to launch at January’s Tour Down Under. Announcing Wiggins’ signing, Team Principal Brailsford said: “Brad will be at home in Team Sky. It is the perfect fit and he will be a marquee rider for us. “He is an exceptional athlete – a great performer at a great age. And he will get better still. “At Team Sky, he can continue to develop, surrounded by some of the coaches and performance experts who have worked with him for years as part of the British Cycling set-up. “With his experience, he will help us to develop our great young talents too.”

Wiggins, from London, said: “It has been an amazing year for me and my ride at the Tour has given me the drive to aim even higher. “I know I can continue to develop and Team Sky is the perfect place to make that happen.” He continued: “I agree with Dave that moving to Team Sky is like coming home. I’ll be on a British team with management and coaches who have shaped me as a rider. “They are instrumental in my achievements so far and I know they are critical for the next part of my career.”

Talk of Wiggins signing for Team Sky has been rife since his phenomenal fourth-place finish in the Tour de France in July. He is the highest-profile rider recruited by the team since it was formed last February. The other six members are Geraint Thomas, Ian Stannard, Russell Downing, Peter Kennaugh, Chris Froome and Steve Cummings.