Harry Tanfield will sign with the Ribble Well Dite team in 2021, moving down two levels and returning to the continental circuit.

The 25-year-old, who spent the past two seasons at the World Tour level with Katusha Alpecin and this year with AG2R La Mondiale, expressed his desire to return to the top level of the sport in the future.

"I am happy to have found a place on a team that supports my ambition to return to the highest level of the sport in the current broader context," Tanfield said in a statement from the team. [I want to continue to progress as a rider and I believe that with a strong European race program, this team can help me do that successfully. I have known the Ribble Weldite team for many years and competed with many of the current riders. I look forward to being part of such a demanding race again."

Tanfield last raced on the British domestic circuit with the Canyon-Eisberg team in 2018, where a series of performances, including a stage win at the Tour de Yorkshire and second place in the national championship time trial, propelled him to the World Tour.

After a disappointing season in which he struggled through the Classics and suffered injuries, he was left "hung out to dry" as Katusha's team disbanded. He was under contract through 2020, but was not one of the players to stay on, as Israel Startup Nation took over the team's World Tour license. Last December, he signed a one-year contract with AG2R, with part of his salary paid by Katusha Alpecin.

Tanfield has spent this chaotic season primarily as a helper for the French team, but despite an impressive time trial at the recent Vuelta a España, he has not been offered a renewal and is finding options at the WorldTour and pro team level He has struggled to find options at the World Tour and pro team level.

"We are delighted to have Harry on our team for 2021. He brings a wealth of experience and expertise," said Tom Timothy, manager of Ribble Well Dite.

"We have known Harry for most of his cycling career and have watched his progress with great interest. He is a great fit for our team and will not only develop our young riders, but will also produce results himself. With Harry and the new additions yet to be announced, Ribble Well Dite is a team ready to take on the big races in 2021."

The Ribble Weldite team was founded in 2017 and has since established itself as a leading British team, finishing as the top-ranked team in all three seasons to date. In addition to the domestic calendar, the team competes in Europe and beyond.

Tanfield will again team up with John Archibald and Dan Biggum, who won bronze in the team relay at the 2019 World Championships in his native Yorkshire.