Cannondale-Garmin Pro Cycling today announced that French rider, Pierre Rolland, will join the team in 2016.

“I am very honored by the trust placed in me by Cannondale-Garmin and am determined to ride well for them,” said Rolland. “This is truly a great opportunity for me, and I am very excited for 2016.”

Rolland, a talented climber, has achieved an impressive list of palmares including top-ten finishes  (2011, 2012, 2015), stage wins (2011 Alp d’Huez and 2012 La Toussuire) and Best Young Rider (2011) at the Tour de France, and 4th Overall at the 2015 Giro d’Italia.

Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports and Cannondale-Garmin Pro Cycling, said that Rolland's riding style reminds him of Thierry Claveyrolat, one of his favorite riders of all time due to that riding style, and is capable of winning the Tour de France Polka Dot Jersey:

“Pierre is a rider that shows determination, style and panache year after year. He rides in the style of big gear, head up and always attacking. That style is something I respect and admire about Pierre.

"I believe that for all of his talent, he still has untapped potential. We hope to bring some work in aerodynamics and a bit of fresh air to help him maximize that potential, while retaining that panache and style that make him the great rider he is. He is a rider who I believe can one day win the Polka Dot jersey and is an exciting addition to our 2016 line-up.” 

Looking ahead to the 2016 roster as a whole, Vaughters added:

"We have an exceptionally talented roster of young riders; what we need to continue to build is leadership for the young guys by giving them experienced riders that they can learn from to better harness their own talents - and Rolland brings that in spades."