Team Raleigh has made one of its biggest signings to date by securing the signature of current National Criterium Champion Graham Briggs, formally of Rapha Condor Sharp.

Briggs claimed the national jersey in Beverley, East Yorkshire

Briggs joins as one of the leaders of the team for 2012 and is looking to further enhance his already illustrious career with an increased road and stage race program for next season.

With the National Champions jersey on his back he is also eager to lead the team in the Tour Series having won the Peterborough round this year and the overall title, the Elite Circuit Race Series along with a planned trip to a US criterium series also feature prominently.

On signing Graham, team manager Cherie Pridham commented: “Graham will bring a whole new dimension to the team. Having the National Criterium Champion for 2012 is fantastic for Raleigh at this stage of the team’s development and progression. Raleigh will certainly embrace the opportunity that a National Champion brings to the team”.

“Also re-signed for 2012 is Liam Holohan and Dutchman Jeroen Janssen, Liam who will be into his third season brings an all round versatility to the team and with the skilful Jeroen both riders will be an asset to the team in the town centre races.”

Canadian Jamie Sparling is also set to return to the UK for a second season having proved this year to be an invaluable ‘domestique’ for the team in the Premier Calendar and overseas stage races.

With five riders already released Team Raleigh has said it expects further news on some ‘interesting signings’ to follow shortly.