WALES' Olympic gold medallist Owain Doull has joined Team Sky after his extraordinary exploits on the track in Rio.

Doull, part of Great Britain's victorious team pursuit squad, will tackle select races for the remainder of the 2016 season before turning professional full time on the road in 2017.

The 23-year-old from Cardiff showed his promise on the road by finishing third overall at the 2015 Tour of Britain while riding for the Wiggins team.

"It's always been a bit of a boyhood dream to try and join Sky," Doull said on the team's official website.

"So to finally be at a stage where I'm about to start racing for the team, and then joining the team properly in 2017, is a bit surreal.

"I've ridden against Sky at some of the bigger races like the Tour of Britain for team Wiggins.

"To see how they operate is pretty special. I've also been watching as a fan how the team race, tuning into events like the Tour and seeing how the riders go about that.

"It's something that's incredible to watch, and the way they approach big targets with all the preparation towards it - it's the next level."

Team Sky team principal Sir Dave Brailsford said: "Owain has consistently put in excellent performances on the track and the road and we think he has the potential to be an important part of the team.

"From a personal perspective it's always great to be bringing young British talent into Team Sky and it reflects very well on the investment and support Sky has provided through the British Cycling programme, the Wiggins team and, of course, Team Sky."

Doull will hope to follow in the footsteps of BRadley Wiggins and fellow Welshman Geraint Thomas by starring on the road after enjoying track success.