North East cycling team Velo29 has moved to sign Matt Kipling from Raleigh for 2012.

Kipling rode for Team Raleigh previously

Kipling, formally of Team Raleigh and earlier Pinarello, joins Velo29 as the team leader for the 2012 road season. “This is a huge signing for the Northern Team and a massive step towards their long term goal off success in the Premier Calendar and major UK road events,” a statement from the team said.

“Matt’s pedigree cannot be questioned. With a decade of performing at the highest level in the biggest teams, Matt can sprint, climb and is a real contender in any race he enters.”

Richard Williamson, Velo29 Sporting Director, added: “Matt joining the team is a credit to how far we have already come and a sign of our real ambition for years ahead. This is an important move for both team and rider.

“It’s great that Matt has been able to sign for a local team and shares very much our ambition to take on the big players in the UK. Velo29 is an ever growing team and success is coming fast. With the rest of the already very strong team behind Matt, 2012 will without a doubt be our and Matt’s best year so far.”

In other signings, CC Luton’s Anthony Moye has signed for Velo29 and the North East squad has also signed bronze medalist in the National Junior RR, Alex Bottomley.