27-year-old Isle of Man native Cavendish has signed a three year contract and will represent Omega Pharma-QuickStep from 2013 to 2015.

Commenting on Cavendish's decision to leave Team Sky, team principal Dave Brailsford said "Mark has been a true champion for Team Sky this year. It’s been an honour having the rainbow jersey in this team and great to work so closely with a rider I’ve known since he was a junior."

"Cavendish has been a real team player, making history in a Tour de France winning team. Cav won 15 races with us, including his first stage race, three Tour stages, and the fourth win in his unbeaten run on the Champs Elysees. The sight of him winning in Paris, with the yellow jersey leading out the world champion - both in Team Sky kit - is something you’ll never forget," Brailsford added.

"After a year of being part of the successes at Team Sky I've decided to leave to join Omega Pharma – Quick-Step to pursue different goals. It's been an incredibly fun year riding with friends I've grown up with, but I'm super excited about riding with old friends and teammates in one of the most successful and established teams in cycling. I believe in the team’s project and I’m thrilled to be a part of it,” Cavendish explained.

"Mark is the best sprinter in the world and one of the all-time best sprinters, ever" Team Omega Pharma-QuickStep General Manager Patrick Lefevere commented.

"With his arrival the team will be even more balanced and it will be enriched with another top rider, who will become the man to count on in the sprint, just as Tony Martin is the point man for the time trials and Tom Boonen the best rider for the Northern Classics. Mark will also find a time-tested technical staff on the team, as well as high caliber athletes eager to work with him to reach new, grand goals together."