Ecuadorian road race and time trial champion Jonathan Caicedo has re-signed with EF Education First for 2020.

The 26-year-old moved to Jonathan Vaughters' team from Colombian continental team Medellín, where he started the season with a respectable 61st place at Strade Bianche. He then rode the Volta a Catalunya and Tour de Romandie stage races, finishing 108th in the Giro d'Italia.

He then used his form in this Grand Tour to win both the road race and time trial titles in Ecuador, before returning to Europe and finishing fourth overall in the Adriatica Ionica race.

"Earlier this year I raced a big race that was pretty tough for me. I think this was very valuable and helped me to show my progress." I learned a lot about what it's like to race in Europe with this team and I feel ready to continue to do so in the future."

"Racing across Europe always feels extreme.

"Racing across Europe always feels extreme. It's always difficult at first. I don't think I'll ever be on the same level as the riders over here."

Prior to signing Caicedo, Vaughters admitted that he did not know much about cycling in Ecuador, but that Movistar's Richard Kalapas recommended him to him.

"He called himself a big fan of Caicedo. They grew up racing together."

And while Kalapas won this year's Giro and will join Team Ineos next year on a three-year contract, his compatriot Caicedo is happy with his first Grand Tour experience and the team is confident he will improve.

"Caicedo faces challenges familiar to young athletes racing and living in Europe for the first time," said Shirley Wegelius, EF Education First's sports director. 'Nonetheless, he has shown glimpses of talent and has proven that he can give more if given time to adapt. Finishing in the Giro was a huge leap in his development and we believe he can build on this work over the winter and into next year." He said.