Kreuziger joins Orica-BikeExchange for 2017
Roman Kreuziger has confirmed a two year deal with the Orica-BikeExchange squad. The Czech Republic national champion will move across from the Tinkoff team and said he is committed to helping Orica’s younger riders to succeed.
“Orica-BikeExchange was an easy choice for me when I started to consider my next team and my future as a rider,” Kreuziger said in a team announcement on Monday. “I really admire the ambitions they have going onwards, and I want to fully apply myself to help their young riders go for the ultimate success in the Grand Tours.”
“I think I’ll be able to fulfill that role both on and off the bike and at the same time try and go for a win myself in one-week races and some of the Classics where we will have several cards to play.”
The team has worked on nurturing young talent in recent years and is seeing the fruits of that work. Esteban Chaves was second overall in this year’s Giro d’Italia, while Adam Yates took fourth overall plus the best young rider award in the Tour de France.
Kreuziger is coming on board as a super domestique for the three week races. According to Orica-BikeExchange Directeur Sportif Matt White, the contract is a significant boost for the team and one which could have pronounced effects in the next two seasons.
