Kanstanstin Siutsou leaves Sky for Team Dimension Data

Kanstanstin Siutsou has been signed for 2016 by the African Team Dimension Data squad - currently known as MTN-Qhubeka - further bolstering the team's recently-announced signings for next year that include Mark Cavendish.

The 33-year-old Belarusian - known to his friends as 'Kosta' - has been resident at British WorldTour squad Sky for the past four seasons, and will join Dimension Data as a super domestique and mentor to younger riders, according to the team.

Siutsou rode with Cavendish at Sky during the 2012 season, as well as current MTN rider Edvald Boasson Hagen.

>>> Mark Cavendish joins Team Dimension Data for 2016 season

"I’m really happy to join Team Dimension Data in 2016," Siutsou said. "Having raced with some of the riders in the past, I’m sure we’ll gel well together.

"I’m also looking forward to share my experience with the African talents on board and to make an impact for the Qhubeka charity. It’s a great opportunity to race for a bigger cause and I’m glad to take it on."

Siutsou has been a common sight at the front of the peloton during his tenure at Sky, where his relentless pace-setting has spelled the end of many an escape group - and the success of his team-mates.

His domestique duties have often meant that he has given up personal glory for the common good of the team, but he can count a stage victory in the 2009 Giro d'Italia, an overall win in the 2008 Tour de Georgia and the 2004 junior world championship road race title in his palmares, as well as numerous team time trial victories.

Siutsou has taken part in 14 Grand Tours, with a career-best ninth place in the 2011 Giro d'Italia.