Jens Zemke has reacted with incomprehension to the cancellation of the 2016 Bayern Rundfahrt. "Almost every country is able to organize a national tour, such as the Tropicale Amissa Bongo in Gabon, the Tour of Rwanda, the Tour of Turkey or the mega events in the desert states," the Dimension Data sports director told radsport-news.com on Tuesday.

In Germany, however, it was apparently not possible "to save the last traditional event despite the good economic situation. This is sad. I pay respect to all who have allowed the Bayern Rundfahrt to go on for 36 years," said the German, who regrets that there will "virtually no calendar for German riders in our country. The fans can only admire Greipel, Kittel, Degenkolb & co on Eurosport.”

As opposed to this, the 49-year-old can look at the success of his team. Dimension Data will join the WorldTour in 2016 and therefore has a spot in all major races.

With the new sponsor, General Manager Douglas Ryder has again strengthened the squad significantly with the signing of super sprinter Mark Cavendish, lead-out man Mark Renshaw, experienced Austrian Bernhard Eisel and the two climbers Igor Anton and Omar Fraile.