BMC Racing Team today announced the extension of Tejay van Garderen's contract beyond 2016, on the eve of the UCI WorldTour season.

The team recently confirmed the continuation of BMC Switzerland as title sponsor, which secures the future of BMC Racing Team past the 2016 season.

BMC Racing Team General Manager Jim Ochowicz said the extension of van Garderen's contract is part of a long-term plan.

"Both Tejay and BMC Racing Team continue to strive towards reaching some of our goals which have not yet been accomplished together. It also solidifies his leadership in the team, in that Tejay is one of our captains. It's important for the team as a whole to have Tejay continue on with us as a leader of the organization and completes what we started with him four years ago.

"We've recently announced the extension beyond 2016 and Tejay is part of that extension. We are happy to be able to announce today that he'll be continuing on with us in the future."

For van Garderen, it was a natural decision to stay with BMC Racing Team.

"This will be my fifth year with the team so when you get to know everyone so well over a period of time you become more like family. I really like the way the team operates. I like all of the guys and I definitely think this is the perfect environment for me to flourish with my career. My main goal is the Tour de France, it is the pinnacle of the season and I'd like to shoot for the podium or victory over the next few years.

"I think BMC Racing Team offer a higher level of support than what you get at other teams. The training camps, the altitude camps, wind tunnel testing, there is no stone left unturned."

In keeping with BMC Racing Team policy, no other terms or conditions of the contract were released.