The first two talents of the new Chinese project TJ Sport which will take over the Lampre-Merida team, will be Diego Ulissi and Rui Costa.

The twenty-seven year old Italian rider and the world champion from Florence in 2013 have signed a two-year renewal of their contracts with the first Chinese World Tour team.

Diego Ulissi, born in 1989, has raced as a pro since 2010 and he has always worn the jersey of the team which has been managed by Giuseppe Saronni. With the contract extension, he's becoming the emblem of the team, adding the Italian colors to the basis of the Chinese team.

"I'm happy to continue along the professional path I have started in the team several years ago, adding a new enthusiasm which comes from the Chinese project: I'm sure the next two years will be full of satisfactions", Ulissi commented.

Rui Costa, born in Povoa de Varzim (Portugal) in 1986, chose to add two more years to his experience in the team.

"Being part of this new project and having being chosen as a leader of the World Tour team is something special for me," Rui Costa explained. "I had received proposals from other teams, however when Saronni described to me his ideas for the future and the project, I had no doubts and I immediately chose to sign a new contract for the next two years. I really appreciate that Saronni and the group of TJ Sport trust in me, this is a great motivation for me."