Team Ineos announced that it has signed Colombian rider Brandon Rivera to a two-year contract. The 23-year-old joins the team from Colombian Continental team GW-Shimano.

Rivera is a Tour de France champion and current Pan American Time Trial champion from Zipaquira, like his future teammate Egan Bernal. This race was one of five victories he has earned in 2019, including stages at the Vuelta a Colombia and the Vuelta de Boyaca.

"I grew up a mountain biker, but I love climbing, time trials, and one-day races," Rivera said in a team press release. I want to help my teammates when they need it and am ready to make the most of any opportunity."

"My goals are clear. I know it's my first year on the World Tour and I know I'll be racing against a lot of experienced riders.

Rivera also spoke of his friendship with Bernal, saying that the two have been friends for over a decade and that his countryman is a role model for everyone in Colombia.

"Egan and I are very good friends. We've known each other since we were 10 years old when we started mountain biking in Zipaquila. We both had dreams and I can't believe we're riding together again."

"I have to thank him for riding with me all those years and always believing in me. In Colombia, Egan is an example that dreams do come true and he is an idol for kids and adults alike."

The move marks a return to Europe for Rivera, who raced for UC Monaco in 2016 and 2017, participating in the Tryptique Ardennais and Giro della Valle d'Aosta both years.

Xavier Arteche, director of Team Ineos, spoke further about Rivera's career to date, adding that the Colombian is a versatile athlete who can develop into a strong domestique for Ineos.

"He raced in Europe two years ago, but because of a knee injury he did not have the best experience. But last year he returned to Colombia and had a really good season. He has stepped up big time and I think he is ready for the World Tour," Arteche said.

"Brandon is versatile and can be a really good support rider for the team. He is strong in time trials, good on climbs, and fast in sprints from small groups.

"He is very eager to use this opportunity to develop himself and become a better rider. It will be important for him to learn our ways and get used to the World Tour level. And I am confident that in his second year he will transform into a strong support rider."

Rivera will be the fourth Colombian rider to register for the 2020 Ineos, following Bernal, Ivan Sosa, and Sebastian Henao. He is also the third newcomer for the team, along with Richard Calapaz (Movistar) and Carlos Rodriguez (Kometa U19).

Meanwhile, Wout Poels (Bahrain Merida), David de la Cruz (UAE Team Emirates), Diego Rosa (Alcare Samsic), Kenny Elissonde (Trek Segafredo) and Christopher Halvorsen (EF Education First) leave the British team.