Team Hope Factory Racing has confirmed that Dave Collins, who rides cyclo-cross and mountain bike for the team, will race on the road for the squad next season.

Dave Collins has competed in a number of disciplines

Teammate Paul Oldham, who Collins joins on the road in 2012, believes the experienced rider represents an important signing.

Paul Oldham stated: “As you can imagine I wanted Dave on the road team. We have raced together off road in cyclo-cross and mountain bike disciplines as well as a few road races, so as you can imagine we know each other’s ability in which ever event we happen to be enter. For me it was a must to have such a quality, strong, reliable rider like Dave on the road team for 2012 season."

Team manager Lee Owen-Stanford added: “Dave’s an absolute character as well as an experienced rider, he has a very similar approach to racing as Paul. Neither of them take themselves too seriously, enjoying the atmosphere of racing is the key for them both which some would argue is occasionally lacking in road racing in the UK.

“It’s great to have that ambitious but relaxed vibe in the team, it will really help the younger riders. I am really excited to watch Dave next season, giving it his all on the bike with his fantastic camaraderie will be fun to see.”

Collins started racing in 1993, working his way through the ranks to the elite level riding road, cross-country mountain bike and cyclo-cross representing Great Britain five times at the World Cyclo-Cross Championships.