Samuel Sánchez has signed with the BMC Racing Team for the 2015 season, President/General Manager Jim Ochowicz announced Friday.

The 2008 Olympic road champion was one of the BMC Racing Team's leading contributors last year. He finished sixth in the Vuelta a España and fifth at Il Lombardia while regularly playing the role of super domestique. At Amstel Gold Race, his attack on the climb of the Cauberg set up teammate Philippe Gilbert's victory. At the Giro d'Italia, the Spaniard rode in service of teammate Cadel Evans, who led the race for four days before finishing eighth. Sánchez later helped Gilbert win the overall at the Tour of Beijing.

"We are pleased to extend our relationship with Samuel for the 2015 season," Ochowicz said. "He was a great contributor to our success in 2014 and we expect to see the same again this year. His program will focus on the grand tours and WorldTour races where his strong experience and multitude of skills will be a big benefit to the team."

Sánchez said returning to the BMC Racing Team is the perfect fit for him in the twilight of his career.

"For me, the BMC Racing Team is my team," he said. "I know the riders. I know the team. And I don't like to change much. I prefer one team. As for my fitness, I may not be ready to race tomorrow, but I did a good job at home to stay active. I was riding my mountain bike and doing cyclocross. My level is not good, but it is not bad, either."

BMC Racing Team Sporting Manager Allan Peiper said Sánchez's return is more good news in a month that has already included a silver medal by Rohan Dennis at the Australian national time trial championships and Dennis's stage win and race leadership this week at the Santos Tour Down Under.

"Everyone is very happy to have Sammy back," Peiper said. "From a sporting perspective, he gives us that much more depth. We saw last year what a game-changer he can be. This year we expect him to contribute in pretty much the same way, but maybe with a little more focus on the support and development of the big influx of young talent we have brought into the team."

Specific terms of Sánchez's contract were not disclosed, in keeping with BMC Racing Team policy.