Trek has confirmed that it has reached an agreement with six key riders for its new WorldTour Team starting in 2014. Stijn Devolder, Markel Irizar, Yaroslav Popovych, Gregory Rast, Hayden Roulston and Jesse Sergent will bring consistency and fire power to the classics group, led by multiple Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders winner Fabian Cancellara.

Sports director Dirk Demol is happy about the signings of these six important helpers.

"This group of riders has been essential to Fabian's success in 2012 and especially 2013. Their dedication to him was beyond belief. Fabian's name is the one on the roll of honour of the great classic races that we all love, but these support riders were all ready to sacrifice themselves to the team's interest. They are warriors, true unsung heroes. I am delighted and proud that we are able to keep this group together. From here on we keep on working hard, toward many more successes."

Stjin Devolder wasn’t in doubt about whether or not he should sign with the new Trek team.  

“It was not a difficult decision to stay with the team. Luca (Guercilena) and Dirk (Demol) have given me back the confidence I lost for a few years when I was going bad. We came to an agreement quickly and I'm really happy to stay aboard this team."

Devolder saw a return to his vintage form in the spring, and then went on to win the Belgian Road Championships in a stunning way.

"I had two goals laid out this winter: to be a sound rider again in the classic races and then to win the Belgian title. Now I’ve ticked off both boxes. My ambition for the next years is the same: being a key support rider for Fabian in the classics and then pick a couple of personal goals later on in the season."

Markel Irizar, a loyal and enthusiastic hard man from the Basque Country, has signed a three-year deal with Trek Factory Racing.

"Trek offered me a three year contract, which I feel is a great sign of confidence in me as an athlete. I'm dedicated to returning that trust by working hard and committing to the team and its leaders.

Irizar opted almost intuitively to remain with the existing classics core.

"Obviously, I'm very excited about getting on board of the new Trek team. I've been on a Trek bike since 2010 and I look back at the last four years with a very good and satisfying feeling,” he said.

Another 33-year old that will have a crucial role in the classics line-up for the next two years is Yaroslav Popovych.

"The team spirit and the professionalism of everyone, including Trek, is incredible. With Trek stepping up now, I believe we're in for a great ride. The team is great and I'm very happy that Trek wanted to offer me a new contract."

"I have been riding in the same team with guys like Rasty [Rast] and Markel [Irizar] for four years now and I have road with Fabian and Hayden also for two years already. I'm very excited that we go on with this team, not only for the classics, but also for the races that come after Paris-Roubaix."

Only too often the indefatigable motor of lieutenant Gregory Rast has proven to be critical. “There's not a lot to say, honestly. I'm not a man that likes many changes,” explained Rast. “We were the world's number one classics team in 2013 and we have the potential to remain the same in the coming years."

A long-time friend of Cancellara's, Rast will stay by his side for another 3 years.

"Fabian and I go way back. We raced against each other when we were juniors. He's one of the greatest classics riders in the history of our sport and guys like me can achieve greatness too, by supporting him."  

Hayden Roulston, the 32-year old National Champion of New Zealand, said it's great to be able to commit his future to the new Trek team.

"It wasn't a difficult decision for me. It’s one thing to feel good on the bike, but it's equally important to have a good feeling off the bike. The Classics group is an incredible bunch of people. We always have a fantastic time when we're on the road," Roulston continued, "Fabian is such a natural leader that it's an honor for all of us to work for him. I've been a pro rider for ten years now and this is absolutely the best team I've ridden for."

The sixth rider that today has confirmed his signing to Trek is 25-year old Jesse Sergent from New Zealand.

 "Staying with this set-up felt like the natural thing to do. The team has shown real faith in me as a rider and I feel like I'm constantly improving, both in the classics races and in the time trials. I'm very proud that they continue to believe in my talent and I am determined to return this with a lot of hard work."