Dutchman Bauke Mollema will join Trek Factory Racing in 2014 to lead the team’s challenge for GC success.

With Belkin pulling out of sponsoring the team next season, Mollema is the second big-name rider to seek pastures new – after Lars Boom – and will also look to continue his strong form in the hilly Classics.

Tenth at this year’s Tour de France, his second consecutive top-ten placing, Mollema has also enjoyed podium spots at the Clasica Ciclista San Sebastian, Tour de Suisse and Tour of Norway alongside two top-ten finishes at La Fleche Wallonne and the Amstel Gold Race.

Trek, who took over from Radioshack-Leopard for this season, are seeking a change in direction and the Dutchman – who could ride next year’s Tour alongside Giro d’Italia King of the Mountains winner Julian Arredondo – is the first big signing announced for the next season.

Mollema has inked a two-year deal with the American team, who saw Haimar Zubeldia bag a top-ten finish at last year’s Tour, and could be in line to replace the Schleck brothers as Trek’s chief GC man.