Mark Cavendish has joined MTN-Qhubeka, soon to be known as Team Dimension Data, for the 2016 season.
Cavendish and lead-out man Mark Renshaw are making the switch from Etixx-QuickStep, and will be re-united with former HTC team-mate Bernie Eisel, who joins from Team Sky.
Must-read: The highs and lows of Mark Cavendish’s Etixx-QuickStep career
It means the 26-time Tour de France stage winner will link up with Edvald Boasson Hagen and Tyler Farrar to bolster the African team’s sprinting options as they look to build on a landmark year which included their Tour debut.
And the Manxman is relishing the challenge ahead, and helping to promote the Qhubeka charity.
“I’m super excited about becoming a part of the team for 2016,” he said. “It is a team I have watched closely as it has grown, especially over this season and been really impressed with the spirit, strength and dynamics of the group.
“It’s fair to say that most of the peloton has seen how incredible the Team raced this year.
I’ve had 3 unforgettable years with @Etixx_QuickStep. It’s been an incredible experience racing for @PatLefevere. Thank you for everything.
— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) September 29, 2015
“To join it with the target of helping to win even more races with other strong, experienced household cycling names like Mark Renshaw, Edvald Boasson-Hagen, Tyler Farrar, Daniel Teklehaimanot, Steve Cummings and of course Bernie Eisel is going to be real special, as well as assisting the talent of the young, African riders to top level success. “Also, for me personally, one of the biggest incentives is riding for a greater cause in the Qhubeka charity. I’m really looking forward to having a successful year on the road alongside the other guys and helping directly to get more bikes in the hands of people who need them.”
Team owner Douglas Ryder, meanwhile, has called the triple acquisition a ‘game changer’ for MTN-Qhubeka as they bid to build on the success they enjoyed this season, which included a Tour stage win for Cummings and Boasson Hagen’s Tour of Britain victory. “Mark Cavendish joining our Team is a huge step forward for the team as we strive to get to the next level in world cycling,” he said. “To also integrate Mark Renshaw and Bernie Eisel is a game changer in terms of performance and experience, which, added to the incredible talent we already have in the team opens up many possibilities for us.” The team are set to announce further signings in the near future.
Proud to announce that I’ll be starting a new, exciting adventure next year with @TeamMTNQhubeka. Very excited! https://t.co/QbX6Qdqegp
— Mark Cavendish (@MarkCavendish) September 29, 2015
