The Belkin Pro Cycling Team contracted two new cyclists, Timo Roosen and Tom Van Asbroeck, for 2015 and 2016. Roosen joins from the Rabobank Development Team and Van Asbroeck leaves Topsport Vlaanderen-Baloise. The team also extended its contracts with Rick Flens, Maarten Tjallingii (both through 2015), Robert Wagner and Maarten Wynants (through 2016).

Roosen, 21-years old, won a stage and placed second overall in the prestigious Kreiz Breizh Elites stage race this season. In the Ster ZLM Toer, he took home the sprint classification.

“This is a great step for me,” said Roosen. “I didn’t expect this so quickly because it was only my first year at the Rabobank Development Team. I have dreamed about this.

“I look forward to riding beautiful races with this professional team. The current season is not over yet, but I can’t wait to take on this new challenge. Next year, I primarily want to help others and learn a lot doing that. I hope to improve my time trialling,” he told the Belkin website.

“Timo is a very young rider, but he quickly developed himself during the second half of the season,” said Sports Director Nico Verhoeven. “He is versatile and can race a good prologue. We are happy that we’ve been able to attract a big Dutch talent like him. Like with all young riders, the first season will be about development while helping, but you cannot stop top riders from having their chance.”

24-year-old Belgian Van Asbroeck impressed from the beginning until the end this year. He finished second in Nokere Koerse, second in the GP Jef Scherens in September and triumphed twice this year, in the Tour de Wallonie stage four and the Cholet-Pays De Loire.

“I want to keep improving myself as a rider and this is the perfect team to do so,” said Van Asbroeck. “I’m still learning what kind of rider I truly am. Primarily, I’m a sprinter, but I would also like to show that I’m a classics rider.”

“As a team you’re always looking for winners,” Verhoeven said. “Tom has won several times this season, but his consistent level is appealing, as well. For that reason he’s leading UCI Europe Tour ranking.

“He can improve with us. He will be supported by us during races . Tom is of the same age as Moreno Hofland, and both are similar types of riders: quick in a sprint, but good in the classics, as well. They can help each other become stronger.” Reliable and loyal men Verhoeven is content that with Rick Flens, Maarten Tjallingii, Robert Wagner and Maarten Wynants - four strong domestiques - will remain with the Belkin Pro Cycling Team. “They are reliable and loyal riders who every leader would like having around,” said Verhoeven. “They can ride grand tours and classics, and have done well in both areas this year.”

Rick Flens is glad about the renewal of his contract. He is looking forward to continue his career on the highest level of cycling.

“I’m glad that I can keep doing what a love on the highest level,” Flens added. “This contract shows that my work is appreciated. We’re truly one group, which certainly contributes to the results. With the new sponsor, we start a new adventure. Hopefully the stability will help bring in results. I’m looking forward to contribute to that.”

Maarten Tjallingii is excited with the fact that his wishes for the future has been fulfilled. There were no doubt about what he wanted to do.

“I’ve always said that I wanted to stay with the team,” Tjallingii said. “We have a squad with many talented riders with whom we can win races, and I want to help with that thanks to my experience. I’ll be 37 years old next year, and that makes me the oldest rider in the team. I want to get most out of myself and encourage others to do the same. A good example tends to be followed.”

Robert Wagner has been put in a spot, where he is going to help the team’s classics captain Sep Vanmarcke.

“My heart is with this team. I have a good connection with the management and the riders. I know what they expect from me and they know what I expect from them. My first task is to help others. and I feel good about it. I look forward to supporting Sep Vanmarcke in the classics and the fast men in the sprints.”

Also Maarten Wynants will be helping the Belgian classics specialist Sep Vanmacke.

“I’ve been here for four years and know the ins and outs of the team. I want to take on an important role in the classics. Until late in the final, I want to support Sep Vanmarcke. Sep is improving in the classics, and that played a part in my decision. Our team is able to fight for the win in every race. That is worth a lot to me.”