Bora Hansgrohe has announced the signing of Estonian rider Martin Lars, who joins from the US-registered Continental team Team Illuminate.

The 26-year-old began his professional career with Delco Marseille Provence in 2016 and spent two seasons with Team Illuminate. Lars won three stages at the Tour de Korea in June, including a sprint win.

Team manager Ralf Denk said Lars will be part of the Bora-Hansgrohe sprint train. The German team earned sprint victories in all three Grand Tours in 2019 with Pascal Ackermann, Peter Sagan, and Sam Bennett. It remains to be seen whether Bennett will remain with the team in 2020, and Dečuninck-Quick-Step is keeping a close eye on his situation should he become available.

"Martin is a talented rider who is not afraid of a challenge. He has won several small pro races over the past few years and we feel he is ready to step up to the World Tour next year with us," Denk said.

"So he will be well prepared for this level of racing. He is very motivated and looking forward to the progress we can make together."

Lars attended the Bora Hansgrohe camp in Austria last week, where he outlined his plans for the 2020 season. During the season, the Estonian will be based in Girona, sharing an apartment with former schoolmate Mikkel Raim (Israel Cycling Academy).

"The most important goal for me next year is to take advantage of the team support to adapt to the World Tour level and grow with my teammates and staff. It will be a challenge, but one that I know I will enjoy." I want to support my teammates during the race and do my best to help them achieve good results."