Tosatto spent 20 years in the professional peloton before retiring at the end of the 2016 season.

Having previously ridden for the Quick-Step and Fassa Bortolo teams, his career ended with a six-year spell at Saxo Bank.

The 43-year-old amassed 34 Grand Tour appearances and over 50 Monument outings during his time as a professional.

He won one stage at the 2006 Tour de France and the 2001 Giro d’Italia.

"My first impressions of the team are that it’s a really incredible group and the detail and organisation is very impressive," he said.

"To be able to work for the best team in the world is a great feeling.

"Naturally I’m very excited to go to my first race as a sports director and this is the best opportunity for me after my career as a pro cyclist."

Tosatto revealed he discussed the position with Team Sky principal Sir Dave Brailsford during the Giro d’Italia in May.

At the time, he was working for Team Sky’s bike brand Pinarello. 

"Originally I had hoped to continue riding for one more year, but in the end it became clear that this was the time to stop and try something new," Tosatto said.

"I was working at the Giro d’Italia for Pinarello and it was there that I was able to speak to Dave Brailsford a few times, and we had some conversations about working together.

"I raced against Team Sky a lot and I could see easily what an impressive team they are and how the team are always racing for the highest objectives.

"That is what I want to do too, so now for me it’s really exciting to be part of the team."

Tosatto has joined Gabriel Rasch, an existing Team Sky sports director, at the Tour of Poland, which concludes today.

His first experience with the team was at the Route du Sud, an annual event held in South France, in June.

Tosatto also attended a Team Sky training camp that same month in Italian town Livigno.

Team Sky and British Cycling continue to receive criticism for their anti-doping procedures and how they record details as part of a Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee inquiry on "Combating Doping in Sport".

They are also involved in an UK Anti-Doping investigation looking into a "mystery package" given to Team Sky rider and five-time Olympic champion Sir Bradley Wiggins during the 2011 Critérium du Dauphiné.