Team NetApp-Endura that will be known as Team BORA in 2015 has started the process of building its roster for 2015. Today the team can announce contract extensions with 8 key riders, including time trial specialist Jan Barta.

Germany’s highest-ranked cycling team, which will compete with a ProContinental license for the 2015 season under a new name, is making plans based on a team capacity comparable to that of the current Team NetApp – Endura. 

“We are planning for a team comprising 20 riders, up to seven of whom will be new additions. We are able to announce some initial contract extensions today. Further extensions will follow and will be supplemented by targeted new additions. The new riders will preferably come from the German-speaking region and will provide us with reinforcement both for the classic races and for the tours”, explained team manager Ralph Denk, setting out his transfer strategy. 

Jan Barta (29, CZE), who achieved an impressive third in the Tour de France time trial, has extended his contract for three further years through to the end of the 2017 season. The Czech national time trial champion is one of the riders who has been with the team since it was set up in 2010. 

“One can justifiably claim that Jan numbers among the ten best time trial riders in the world. He proved this on the Tour and at the last world championships. We will be working on tapping his potential still further over the next three years. Now it is a matter of fine tuning and that takes time”, said Denk, explaining the long-term outlook of the contract extension. 

With Paul Voss (28, GER) and Andreas Schillinger (31, GER), the team’s two German Tour participants have also extended their contracts. 

“Despite having broken his nose and finger Paul still rode a very strong Tour and displayed his quality. That’s what is essential for the monuments and grand tours. Andreas has been with our team from the outset – he is one of our most experienced riders. He is a classic capitaine de la route and, as such, is of key importance to the team in many races”, said Denk, commenting on the German riders.

A further key member of the team will be the Irish sprinter Sam Bennett (23, IRL). The neo-pro was given a contract for the 2015 season already when he joined the team. Zak Dempster (26, AUS) and Daniel Schorn (25, AUT) have also extended their contracts. The Australian, the key lead-out rider for Bennett, has made a major contribution to the team’s successful development in the sprint and classic areas. 

“Sam is riding his first season and has done extremely well. Zak has taken on a sort of mentor role for Sam and as such paved the way for him at many races. Daniel numbers among the strong classic sprinters and he is riding a very good second-half of the season with top positions. I am sure that we will benefit from our fast guys over the coming weeks and aim to continue to do so next year too of course”, Denk predicted.

The tour specialists Cesare Benedetti (27, ITA), Bartosz Huzarski (33, POL) and Jose Mendes (29, POR) have also extended their contracts.

“All three riders have proven their value to the team. Cesare has been riding with us for five years, Bartosz for four and Jose for two. The three guys have worked successfully for our captains on all three Grand Tours. As Bartosz is showing currently with his Top10 position in Colorado, they also take their chances whenever the opportunity arises. They are the type of rider we definitely wish to have in our team in the future too”, Denk concluded.

Further riders in the team for 2015 will be announced over the coming weeks.