Keegan Swirble, the 27-year-old whose contract with Human Powered Health was not renewed, has become the first rider signed to a new project by Spanish amateur team Vigo-Rias Baixas (open in new tab).

The team, run by José Luis Chamorro, announced the arrival of the Colorado native, calling him "arguably one of the highest-level reinforcements for the fluor team in its 10-year history."

Swirble, the 2015 under-23 U.S. national road champion, is a strong climber and has shown his international prowess by finishing second in the 2019 Tour de Langkawi and twice in the top 10 overall at the Tour of Utah.

According to a team press release, Human Powered Health has opted to focus more on its sprint team, leaving Swirble to find a new team in an already crowded transfer market.

The move "provided Vigo-Rias Baixas with an opportunity that would have been unthinkable a few months ago.

"The Swiss-based rider received word that his contract would not be extended beyond the end of the season.

." Having rejected offers to return to his home country because his pro team's roster was effectively closed and he wanted to continue in Europe, he accepted the offer to restart his career."

Swirble will serve as a mentor to the team's up-and-coming riders, just as South African-born Willie Smit did when he raced for the team in 2017.

"The first contract for 2023 confirms the ambition of the plan designed by the management team. The renovations are likely to be deep in both riders and technical staff."