Rinaldo Nocentini, 38, could be the new star rider of the Sporting Lisbon team after the football club took over the Tavira squad a few days ago.The Italian is without team after leaving the French WorldTour team Ag2r-La Mondiale who refused to extend his contract.

Nocentini has extensive experience in stage races, including the three grand tours - he has 17 appearances in the Tour, Giro and Vuelta - and has a 12th place in 2009 at the Tour de France as his best result. That year he wore  the yellow jersey for eight stages before losing it to later winner Alberto Contador.

Nocentini has publicly aired his frustration that his French employed made a late decision not to keep him. He has claimed that Caja Rural was his final option but according to Record.xl.pt he may now have a new option in Portugal.

All details of the squad for 2016 will be announced in Algarve later today. BiciCiclismo have reported that David de la Fuente will be part of the team.