Two days after announcing the signing of Dominik Nerz, Team NetApp-Endura - next yeat known as Team BORA - has signed another major German rider. After several riders in France, Björn Thurau will return to his home country as part of Germany's biggest team.

The squad for Germany’s professional cycling team is taking shape. With Björn Thurau, another German rider will join the team, which will be riding with a new German name sponsor as of next year. The 26-year-old is considered a high-performing rouleur, able to make an impression in many races with his breakaway attempts.

“The team, built around the new name sponsor BORA, is one with a future and a German background. I am very much looking forward to riding in a team with a German sponsor for the next two years. One of the deciding factors for me was that I’ll get my own chances in the races that suit me. I aim to try and be an important element of the team and to finally notch up a win in 2015”, says Björn Thurau, commenting on his move.

“Björn has made a reputation as a breakaway specialist and thus proved that he tackles every race with determination. Attacks do make our sport exciting, but we believe it’s time for the next step. Björn brings with him strong physical attributes for various different race situations. When we combine his performance abilities with the right tactics, his first pro victory is just a matter of time”, says Team Manager Ralph Denk, looking ahead to the new season.

Björn Thurau has been riding for the French Team Europcar since 2012. Thurau tackled his first three-week national tour this year in the Giro d’Italia. The Frankfurt-born rider topped off a successful season in the WorldTour by clinching the KOM jersey in the challenging Tour de Suisse.