The new Chinese TJ Sport which is the successor of Lampre-Merida, is ready to take off. The first team meeting has started in Darfo Boario Terme and many details about the new team have been unveiled. 

Giuseppe Saronni told shed more light on the name of the team:

"For now it's TJ Sport which is a company that has already been active for years in the organization of sporting competitions and amateur events, especially in cycling. TJ Sport has created an investment fund, TJ Sport Consultation, to implement a project for promotion of cycling in China at all levels. The team is the flagship of the whole plan. Investors belonging to different areas have joined.  The first name could be a Chinese sponsor,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. 

"The Galbusera family [from Lampre] has been in cycling as a first name for many years. They are considering the situation and will decide soon whether they will join us or not.”

The roster currently counts 24 riders, but in the coming weeks more riders are likely to be added

"We could add some young Chinese riders and we are considering riders with international experience as  well. For 2018 we do not want to rule anything out. Aru has a contract with Astana for 2017. But he is a reference of the present and future for grand tours and could be an option." 

 
Saronni also revealed more about his captains for the 2017 Giro: “Atapuma will be there, just like Ulissi.  Meintjes is a possibility which we are considering.”