Bora-hansgrohe team manager Ralph Denk has insisted his job is to run this team, rather than solely Team Sagan and the rest of the Tinkoff entourage.

“The group of riders [from Tinkoff] is there, but for sure, my goal and job is to create a team, not just the Bora team and the Sagan team,” Denk told VeloNews. “I want to create a team, team Bora – Hansgrohe, that’s my job.”

Denk insisted the team is not just about the two time World Champion and new signings Leopold Konig and Rafal Majka.

“Is it all about Peter? No. We have other goals in the grand tours, Leopold König and Rafal Majka, they can perhaps podium in some grand tours,” Denk added. ”We also have Emanuel Buchmann, he’s the most talented German GC guy. He’s young, 24 [this month], but one year ago he was the national champion. This year, he was 21st in the Tour de France. He has a great future ahead of him. It’s my goal to develop him.”

Irish sprinter Sam Bennett has won a few races for the team over the last few seasons and Denk insists the sprinter will have his chances to lead the team when Sagan isn’t racing.

“Sam brought the team success over the last three years,” Denk explained. “I will honor this and give him freedom in the races where Peter is not racing. It’s not just Bennett, I have Matteo Pelucchi and Pascal Auckamann, some fast guys and many races. We’d like to win with other guys, not just Peter.”