Just as it was expected, Tyler Farrar has announced that he would change a team ahead of the 2015 season, what means leaving Garmin-Sharp after eight consecutive years of riding for the American outfit. The 30-year old sprinter confirmed that he has already signed a contract with a new squad, but refused to reveal the name before they decide to make it official.

"It's all done for next year but I'm waiting on the team to make an announcement. I can confirm that I'm leaving Garmin," Farrar told Cyclingnews from his European base in Gent, Belgium.

The 30-year old sprinter admitted that leaving Garmin-Sharp after eight seasons is difficult as they have become a family to some extent, but refused to bring up particular reasons which stood behind making such decision. However, considering an unavoidable merger with Cannondale with eight of their riders free to join ranks of the American team, and Farrar’s not too impressive results posted within last two years, he could have been the one left without a choice.

"Leaving is a little strange when you've been on a team for so long. It's been nearly eight years and it has become like family to a certain extent."

Farrar refused to reveal for which team he is going to ride in 2015 season before his new outfit makes an official announcement, but claimed to be excited with new challenges an opportunities. One of the most active players on this year’s transfer market – MTN-Qhubeka, was reportedly interested in signing an American but such rumors haven’t been confirmed yet.

"It will be different but sometimes change can be a good thing and it's easy to become comfortable in one place after a while."

"I came to Garmin as a pretty young rider and I've matured. It's been a long run and I'm going to look back on it all very fondly."

The 30-year old American felt free to talk about his nearest future, though, and claimed to be highly motivated ahead of upcoming challenges. Farrar kicked off the second part of the season with fourth spot claimed in Hamburg and aims to continue at least in the same line in the Tour of Britain, despite facing the stiffest possible opposition in sprints. What basically reads: Marcel Kittel (Giant-Shimano) and Mark Cavendish (Omega Pharma – Quick Step).

"I had a big break over the summer as I didn't do the Tour de France and it took a few races to get the body going again but I've gone well in the last couple of weeks. I had a good ride in Hamburg the weekend before last and I feel okay," he said.

"There are some good chances for me. I had a look at some of the stages yesterday and I see a few opportunities. I'll be going for it on all stages that suit me and I won't be passing up any opportunities that come my way. There are a few stages with a few climbs in the last 10 kilometres and that could be interesting if it breaks the race up a bit."

The rest of Farrar’s race schedule for 2014 is yet to be determined, but he is expected to participate in the World Championships TTT and Tour of Beijing. He also hopes for a selection to American team for the World Championships road race.

"I'm waiting for a few selections, but I'll be going to the Worlds for the TTT and then I'm waiting on the selection for US for the road race. After that I'll do Franco Belge and then head to the Tour of Beijing. I've never been there but I'm looking forward to it. It wasn't originally on my plan as I was going to do Paris-Tours, but some things changed and now I'm going to China. It should be fun."

Farrar’s biggest achievements this year were so far runner-up spots claimed at the Scheldeprijs and Dwars Doors Vlaanderen, while he managed to steal the spotlight mainly because of his insufficient bike-handling skills, reportedly causing too many crashes during the Giro d’Italia. Still, the 30-year old sprinter considers his season relatively successful, pleased with consistent performances throughout spring.

"I think it's been a decent season. Obviously I haven't been wining but when it comes to the spring classics it's gone really well. I think I've a handful of top fives in the Classics this year and some top results, minus the wins. It's not a mind blowing season but at the same time I think I'm riding pretty well."