Team NetApp-Endura will mostly rely on their 2013 riders in the coming season but has made two important signings to bolster its squad. Sam Bennett will strengthen the team in the sprints as he gets a chance at a higher level following a few years with the An Post team while Tiago Machado will be one of the team's leaders in stage races.

Team NetApp-Endura has had a highly successful season following last year's merger between the German NetApp and the British Endura teams. In particular, the team rode really well in the Vuelta a Espana where young Leopold König won a mountain stage and finished 9th overall.

The team mostly has young riders in its ranks and has a clear mission of developing them into world stars. Hence, the team will keep most of their current riders for the 2014 season.

“We’re betting on continuity," manager Ralph Denk said. "We had a very successful season in 2013 and we demonstrated our team's current level of performance most recently at the Vuelta a España. In order to take it to the next level we can continue working with our top performers - which will prove to be a great advantage for us next year."

Despite this strategy, the team has decided to make two key signings. Young Sam Bennett recently won a hard stage in the Tour of Britain when he survived the tough Caerphilly Mountain twice before winning the sprint from a small group. He will bolster the team's sprint options as he leaves the continental An Post team.

“Sam is among the best up-and-coming sprinters in Europe," Denk said. "He proved that in impressive style at the Tour of Britain. He will be a valuable addition to our squad of young sprinters."

The other signing is Portuguese stage race specialist Tiago Machado. Following several seasons in Portugal, he turned professional with Radioshack in 2010 and has been a perennial top 10 finisher in stage races in his four years with the squad. However, he hasn't been signed by the new Trek team that will take over the license from Radioshack and will now strengthen NetApp's squad of climbers.

"Tiago is an experienced tour specialist, and we signed him on specifically for the general classification at shorter stage races," Denk said. "In addition, with his climbing skills, he will provide added support for Leo Koenig at the bigger tours.”

The team may still add a few more riders to its squad.

“A lot is happening in the riders market, and there are some exciting options," Denk added. "So we’re still in talks, and we’ll review whether or not to strengthen our team further. But all that is taking place without any pressure because our core team is all set for 2014."

From the current squad, only 4 riders don't figure on the provisional 2014 roster. Russell Downing will join the continental NFTO Pro Cycling while Roger Kluge has signed a contract with IAM. The future of Alexander Wetterhall and Markus Eichler hasn't been revealed.