BMC racing team secures signature of former Olympic champion Samuel Sanchez, per BMC team's press release.

After months of unemployment and inability to find a new job, Samuel Sanchez even seriously thought about retiring weeks ago. Fortunately, BMC now reaches out for the Spanish rider, as they regard Sanchez's ability and experience highly.

BMC president/manager Jim Ochowicz says,

"Sammy will add a high degree of skill and experience to the BMC Racing Team. He can cover all the bases, but in particular, we look forward to having him support his new teammates in the Ardennes classics and at the grand tours."

While BMC already has a resurging Cadel Evans and highly touted Tejay Van Garderen in its squad, the team can still use a rider of Sanchez's quality. Podiumed in both Tour and Vuelta, Sanchez can assist the team's hope in challenge a Grand Tour GC win.

Sanchez himself, is excited to death and highly thankful to BMC team,

"I feel like a rider who has just earned his first contract. I want to thank the entire BMC Racing Team, especially Andy Rihs and Jim Ochowicz, for welcoming me into one of the most prominent teams of the WorldTour."

Sanchez and Cadel Evans both were on the podium in 2011 Tour de France, in which Sanchez is the king of Mountains and Evans the GC winner. Both riders will bring invaluable experience for younger riders in the team, like Colombian Atapuma and German Rick Zabel.

"It is my hope that I can share my experience with the younger riders on the team. And after riding so many years to beat Cadel Evans, it will be good to help him since he is a rider I know very well."

Other than Grand Tours, Sanchez also has a history of success in hilly classics, including the olympic gold medal in Beijing, and three runner-up in Il Lombardia. He'll join Evans and former world champion Phillipe Gilbert in those classics.

The contract details of Samuel Sanchez is not yet known, though.