Astarloa to Milram

Italian team Milram has announced the signing of former world champion Igor Astarloa, currently riding for Barloworld, as well as classics specialist Marcel Sieberg from continental team Team Wiesenhof-Akud. The squad directed by Gianluigi Stanga will have 11 German, 11 Italian, and six riders from other nations in its roster next year.

Further additions to the team will be: Brett Lancaster, Niki Terpstra and U23 talent Sebastian Schwager. "Until now, we were a pure sprinter's team," said Erik Zabel, who welcomed the new signings. "Now, we will be more versatile. Every one of the five new riders will be valuable - on a sporting but also on a personal level."

Leaving team Milram after this season will be: Daniel Becke, Maarten den Bakker, Simone Cadamuro, Giovanni Visconti, Michele Gobbi, Alessandro Vanotti and Maxim Iglinsky. Astarloa has reportedly been contracted for two years.