Watching an inevitable fall of the Schleck brothers it became clear that Trek Factory Racing team would desperately need a grand tour contender for the coming seasons, and according to Dutch media Bauke Mollema would be the one to fill the shoes of once very successful Luxembourgers. The Belkin Procycling leader, however, denied that any deal with the American team has been closed.
Trek Factory Racing squad do not lack some very promising riders in likes of Riccardo Zoidl, Julian Arredondo or Bob Jungels, but they’re all yet to prove their worth as a future grand tour contenders while Robert Kiserlovski doesn’t appear strong enough to seriously target podium at the Tour de France.
In such circumstances it became clear that the American team needed to sign a new leader for three-week events and according to De Telegraaf, Andrew Talansky and Bauke Mollema raised their interest. After the 25-year old American extended his contract with Garmin-Sharp Trek Factory racing turned their focus exclusively to the Belkin Procycling rider and reportedly they have already reached an agreement.
If such information are confirmed, Mollema will ride for Trek Factory Racing team in next two seasons while the future of his current squad, Belkin Procycling, remains uncertain after their main sponsor used a clause in the contract not to sponsor the team in 2015 as was agreed initially.
The Dutch rider himself, however, denied this rumors indicating that so far no contract has been signed and it’s still a but premature to announce his move to the American squad.
“It’s very unfortunate that it appeared in the media now, when the team [Belkin Procycling] is looking for a new sponsor,” Mollema told NOS.nl.
“It’s still a bit premature and I haven’t signed anything.”
“Now I’m focusing on the Tour and I want to keep all options open. After the Tour I will make a decision,” Belkin Procycling leader concluded.
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