TJ Sport, the Chinese team that is currently known as Lampre-Merida have signed a rider who loves the most demanding and captivating races and a pure sprinter. Marco Marcato and Andrea Guardini will join the team.

Marco Marcato has signed a contract for 2017 and 2018 with the first Chinese World Tour team, bringing his skills, experience and determination.

The Italian who was born in San Donà di Piave on 11/02/1984, turned pro in 2005 and in 12 seasons he has obtained 6 victories and carved out a role as a reliable rider for the Classics , having participated in 8 Amstel Gold Race, 6 Ronde van Vlaanderen and Gent-Wevelgem, 5 Liege-Bastogne-Liege, 4 Paris-Roubaix and Fleche Wallone, 4 Milano-Sanremo and Giro di Lombardia.

Marcato will be allowed space to express his skills and he'll inspire the younger riders of the team.

"I'm very happy to have the opportunity to race again in a World tour team: this gives me extra determination and it's a fulfillment for my career," Marcato explained. "I'm glad that such an ambitious project as the first Chinese World Tour team is, chose to sign me: I'll try to exploit my skills in the races which suit me better, especially in the tour of Flanders, and to inspire the young talented cyclists of the team".

Speed and six seasons in the pro world, in addition to 40 successes - most notably stage wins in the 2011 Giro d'Italia and the 2014 Eneco Tour - characterize the new sprinter of the first Chinese World Tour team. Andrea Guardini, who was born in Tregnagno in 1989, has signed a two-year deal with TJ Sport.

The Italian sprinter commented:

"First of all, I'd like to thank Giuseppe Saronni for the opportunity he offered me to be part of the new project of the team. I can't wait to start the new season with the aim of giving satisfaction to those who chose to trust me.

"I feel I'm at the top of the development of my cycling skills, I'd like to open a new chapter of my career which I hope can be successful. The exciting team spirit of the new team which I know really care about the sprinters will be fundamental.

"My first goal will be to be competitive in the very early races in the season: the Tour of Qatar and the Abu Dhabi Tour will be in the World Tour calendar next year. They will be important appointment for me, because I really like these competitions and it would be great to give satisfaction there to my new team."