Team News: Quickstep Sign Renshaw & Uran

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Omega Pharma – Quick-Step announces the signing of Rigoberto Urán Urán and Mark Renshaw.

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Both riders will race on Patrick Lefevere’s team for the next two seasons, 2014 and 2015.

Rigoberto Urán Urán, 26, is one of the best climbers of his generation. Urán has already shown his potential in the major tours; this year he won one of the most difficult stages in the Giro d’Italia, the Cordenons – Altopiano del Montasio, ranking himself in second place overall in the GC. In the recent past the Colombian climber also wore the white jersey for a few days as the best young rider at the Tour (2011) and captured Olympic silver in the 2012 London road race.

“I am very pleased that I can race on a team as important as Omega Pharma – Quick-Step,” said Urán. “And that I can contribute to the growth of the team. The first time I came to Europe I was very close to signing with the team but then everything went up in smoke. After a few years our paths have crossed again. After the experience with Sky, who I thank for the years spent together, a new chapter in my career is beginning and I can’t wait to get started.”

“Rigoberto’s arrival reinforces our team as far as the major tours are concerned,” explains team manager Patrick Lefevere. “Urán is a top rider and his talent on climbs goes without saying. On our team he will find an atmosphere and a group of riders who are ready to support him. At the same time his experience and his skills will be important for our young athletes like Michal Kwiatkowski, for example, under a perspective of further growth.”

Mark Renshaw, 30, is one of the most appreciated lead-out men in cycling. After two years the Australian rider will meet up again with Mark Cavendish, with whom he raced for three years, from 2009 to 2011.

“Mark is one of the most appreciated riders in his work as a lead-out man,” says Patrick Lefevere. “His arrival is important to improve our potential in the preparation and execution of sprints for Cavendish, whom he already knows quite well. Mark will also be important for any eventual sprint by Boonen and when necessary he will put his experience to the service of our young sprinter Andy Fenn. With the skills and potential of Renshaw, Petacchi and Steegmans, our sprinters will be able to count on a high level lead out man in every race.”

“I’m delighted to be joining Omega Pharma – Quick-Step next year,” said Renshaw. “It is one of the best teams in the world which I am looking forward to be a part of. Of course, after a couple of years apart, riding on the same team as my good friend Mark Cavendish again is something I am going to enjoy. It will be great returning to lead-out duty’s fighting for victories with Cav. Hopefully we will celebrate many wins with him and the rest of the team.”

 

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