As we have reported on Cyclingquotes earlier this week, one of the most successful riders of folded Vacansoleil team was recently linked with Androni – Venezuela squad, where he would join his former team-mate Johnny Hoogerland. Today after a prolonged negotiations it has been finally confirmed that the Dutch sprinter will sport the outfit of the Italian Pro Continental team in the upcoming season.

"Obviously I am very happy with the chance Androni offered me and I am looking forward to the sporting challenges that lie ahead," Van Hummel told Cyclingnews.

"I never experienced this before, that while already on holiday after a long season, you still get the news of a new team. It's very special and I am really happy about the chance Gianni Savio is giving me."

Van Hummel turned professional in 2007 with Skil-Shimano and made his name as a strong sprinter while riding for the Dutch team. His exploits in the Tour de France may have taken the greatest headlines but the Dutchman has long been one of the most successful sprinters in Belgian and Dutch races.

He got his chance at WorldTour level when he signed with Vacansoleil in 2012 but unfortunately his progressed stalled in his new surroundings. Stage wins in last year's Tour de Picardie and this year's Arcitic Tour of Norway were his only successes for his new team.

"It was a good season and I still can win races, although it was only one race this year. I still have a lot of points that I take with me for next year but also the year after that. That means it's important to stay visible and score some good results. I have my own ways as a cyclist, a clean way of riding I must add, and I just wasn't ready to stop."

After the information about Vacansoleil team has been confirmed and Van Hummel found himself among the riders on a verge of committing to Fernando Alonso’s failed project, the Dutch sprinter experienced a stressful time.

"I can say that was a bit of disaster. That's why I am so happy that I managed to find a great team in these difficult times. Androni offers me a great chance to ride with them for one year."

"I was not ready to retire yet but I had to think about several scenarios for next year. When time went on, I kind of accepted that I would go back to college next year and keep riding my bike to train young riders. But obviously remaining a pro cyclist had always been the first goal," van Hummel added.

After it was confirmed, that Androni – Venezuela team will receive an invitation to participate in 2014 Giro d’Italia, Van Hummel has no doubts about his main objectives for an upcoming season.

"It's an Italian team so the Giro d'Italia is definitely a goal next season. Another goal is to learn Italian as soon as I can," said van Hummel.