For Giant-Alpecin, the first steps in the preparations for 2016 have been made at the annual team meeting, where the team wrapped up the 2015 season, new riders for 2016 had their first experiences with the team, and the coaches and experts had the opportunity to introduce the team’s way of working. Photo shoots, fitting sessions and partner activities were also scheduled. The riders will now enjoy a well-deserved period of rest and vacation before they begin their physical and mental preparation for next season.

With five new riders added to the 2016 roster, including the Norwegian and German talents Sindre Skjøstad Lunke and Max Walscheid, the 2016 roster for the men’s program is complete. It’s time to take a look at expectations for the new season together with Team Giant-Alpecin CEO Iwan Spekenbrink.

“With the signing of four young riders, each with their own talents, as well as the experienced Laurens ten Dam, we remain committed to our way of working, with the central aim of developing our riders based on long-term planning and strategy,” said Spekenbrink. “Like last season, we will have a broader focus again in 2016, and we will explore our opportunities and go where we see chances. From that perspective, we are very happy with the contract extensions of 11 of our current riders, including Warren Barguil and Tom Dumoulin. We look forward to continuing to work with them and helping them develop further as riders so they can achieve their maximum potential.”

New riders: Søren Kragh Andersen (DEN), Laurens ten Dam (NED), Sindre Skjøstad Lunke (NOR), Sam Oomen (NED), Max Walscheid (GER).

Contract renewals: Nikias Arndt (GER), Warren Barguil (FRA), Tom Dumoulin (NED), Johannes Fröhlinger (GER), Chad Haga (USA), Koen de Kort (NED), Tobias Ludvigsson (SWE), Georg Preidler (AUT), Ramon Sinkeldam (NED), Tom Stamsnijder (NED), Tom Veelers (NED).

Under existing contracts: Roy Curvers (NED), Bert De Backer (BEL), John Degenkolb (GER), Caleb Fairly (USA), Simon Geschke (GER), Lars van der Haar (NED), Cheng Ji (CHN), Carter Jones (USA), Fredrik Ludvigsson (SWE), Albert Timmer (NED), Zico Waeytens (BEL).

Departing riders: Lawson Craddock (USA), Thierry Hupond (FRA), Marcel Kittel (GER), Luka Mezgec (SLO), Daan Olivier (NED).