Team Argos-Shimano has extended the contracts of Tom Stamsnijder (NED), Thierry Hupond (FRA) and Cheng Ji (CHN). Hupond and Ji will continue with the team for a year, through 2014, and Stamsnijder through 2015.
 
“We are happy to extend the contracts of these riders. Each of them has an important role in the team and has been a core contributor to our successes in races like the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España,” said general manager Iwan Spekenbrink (NED). “They will be aiming to keep on progressing in order to contribute to the further development of the team itself.”

Iwan Spekenbrink said some few things about the three riders:
 
“Tom is a strong rider with remarkable capacities who had some bad luck this year after breaking his scapula,” said coach Rudi Kemna. “He is eager for a strong return, and we are convinced that he will play an important role for the team, in races like the spring classics, until well into the finale.
 
“Thierry, who has been part of the team since 2008, is a fixed asset in our team and a rider who can handle the hills very well. With his experience he can help our younger climbers and play an important role in the hilly races.
 
“Cheng, the first Chinese rider to finish a Grand Tour, is known for his excellent teamwork and has shown in the past years that he is making great progress. We will guide and support him to help him reach his full potential.”