Team Giant-Alpecin is pleased to announce that Max Walscheid (GER) will ride for the team through 2017. Walscheid, who raced this year for the German continental outfit Team Kuota-Lotto before joining Team Giant-Alpecin as a stagiaire in August, has signed a two-year contract.

The hiring reflects Team Giant-Alpecin’s commitment to developing German cycling and giving young riders the opportunity to move up.

“Max is a talented sprinter who made a good impression in the races he rode with us as a stagiaire over the past few months,” said coach Marc Reef. “The logical result is the replacement of his stagiaire’s contract with a pro contract. Our coaches and experts will support him with a long-term strategy as he continues to work on his sprint. We will give him space to concentrate on improving, and in the meantime he will strengthen our sprint train. He will also take on the challenge of pursuing success in the classics in the future.”

“I’m glad the team sees my capabilities as a rider but also as a person,” said Walscheid. “During my time as a stagiaire I think I was able to show the team that I have the ability to deliver results but that I can also contribute to team successes. I’m happy that the team recognized that and is giving me the chance to turn pro.

“This is the perfect team for me for the next few years, as I will be able to work on my strengths and weaknesses. I want to improve as a sprinter, and during my time as a stagiaire I made progress, which was a good sign. I would like to continue with a race program that allows me to get some experience in the bigger races and aim for strong results in smaller races. Next to that I’m also really looking forward to working for the team and having my role in the sprint preparation.”