As revealed by The Examiner last week, the Hobart rider will be joining the Melbourne-based team of fellow Tasmanians Will Clarke and Bernie Sulzberger.

Earle enjoyed two years riding in the world tour alongside Launceston's Richie Porte at Sky, having previously been teammates under Andrew Christie-Johnston at Praties and clocked up wins at Tour of Taiwan, Tour of Japan and New Zealand Cycling Classic.

"I am excited to get 2016 under way with Drapac Cycling, a team I have always followed with interest," Earle said.

"It will be a great team environment for me with a good core group of guys and some familiar faces, which I believe will only benefit my performance.

"Being a Tasmanian, it is great to be back on home soil, to be riding for an Australian team and still have the opportunity to race around the world."

Drapac sports director Tom Southam said Earle had "masses of untapped potential", adding: "I believe we can give him opportunities in some top-quality racing in 2016, and we will see him rise to the challenge."

- ROB SHAW