Vasyl Kiryienka has signed a one-year contract extension with Team Ineos The 38-year-old Kiryienka has been with Team Ineos (formerly Team Sky) since 2013.

"I am very happy to sign another year. I have spent the past seven seasons with the international team led by Sir Dave Brailsford and have gained invaluable life experience," the former Movistar rider said in a press release issued by Team Ineos.

Kiryienka was diagnosed with a heart condition in March of this year, but returned to racing just one month later at the Tour de Romandie. She raced several week-long races in the summer before retiring on stage 18 of the Vuelta a España.

The 2015 time trial world champion had another successful year, winning the time trial at the European Games in Minsk.

Despite his advanced age, Kiryienka has become a mainstay of Team Ineos, often competing in Grand Tours. His last Tour de France took place in 2017, and when he signed a new contract, he thanked the team for their support after a difficult start to the year.

"I have been fortunate to learn the customs and lifestyles of people from all over the world and it is a pleasure to share a hotel room and work with them. The leaders of this team have the ability to unite people from different backgrounds and personalities towards one common goal. It keeps me going out there and working to my fullest potential," he added.

"This season has not been easy for me. It was hard to realize that there were physiological changes in my body and that I might not be able to continue doing what I love. But thanks to the support of my team, my condition returned to normal. I am especially grateful to my team doctor, Inigo Salieghi, who has been instrumental in my recovery. It was great to see the positive reaction of some of the riders in the peloton to my return to racing. It was moments like this that helped me regain my energy and win the time trial at the Europeans."