Caleb Ewan, one of world cycling's top young talents, will join Australian team Orica-GreenEDGE at the end of next year.
The 19-year-old from Sydney will initially join the team in August as a "stagiaire" and start a full professional contract two months later.
Ewan will stay with the Jayco-AIS under-23 team before switching to the top-level squad.
It is a big coup for GreenEDGE, with several rival teams interested in the teenager.
"We identified Caleb as an extremely talented rider as evidenced by his results," Orica-GreenEDGE general manager Shayne Bannan said.
"We're excited to be part of his development and growth.
"His success to date indicates that he's one of the classiest riders in the next generation of cyclists."
Ewan's pre-contract at GreenEDGE starts on January 1 and he will be at the team at least until the end of 2016.
"I decided I wanted to stay in the under-23 team for part of next year and ease into the transition a bit more," Ewan said.
"If I went pro next year, it could be too early in terms of development.
"GreenEDGE has given me a clear path that outlines several smaller steps rather than one big one.
"When I do turn pro, I will be ready."
Most recently, Ewan finished fourth last month in the under-23 road race at the world championships on a course not suited to his sprinting talents.
It again showed Ewan's talents are exceptionally diverse.
He starred in his first season at under-23 level with eight wins, including two stages of the prestige Tour de l'Avenir in France.
While most of Ewan's goals next year will be at under-23 level, he hopes to make the Commonwealth Games road team.
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