Greipel joins Team Omega Pharma-Lotto in 2011
In the next few days, German cyclist Andre Greipel will sign a contract with Team Omega Pharma-Lotto. He will begin his spell with the Belgian team from the 2011 season.
Greipel, who won two stages in last week's Tour de Pologne, announced the deal on his own website.
“In recent weeks there has been much speculation about my impending move to another team,” said the 28-year-old who has decided to leave Team HTC-Columbia, a team he joined in 2006 (then called Team T-Mobile).
“Now it is confirmed. From 1 January 2011, I will be riding with Omega Pharma-Lotto printed on my jersey.”
An excellent sprinter, Greipel has won 16 stages in 2010.
He won the points classification in last week's Tour, and claimed the same title in last year's Vuelta a Espana.
Cavendish rivalry
But despite his strong record, Greipel was not able to race in this year's Tour de France. The reason was that another HTC-Columbia sprinter, Mark Cavendish, was chosen to captain the team.
Earlier this year, Greipel had suggested that he and Cavendish could share the team captaincy, a proposition that Cavendish flatly rejected in the press.
At Omega Pharma-Lotto, though, the chances for internal feuds are slimmer. And spectators can look forward to entertaining duels between Greipel and Cavendish on the 2011 ProTour.
“The sponsors and management have a clear vision for the further development of the team, which is consistent with my own personal goals,” Greipel said.
“We have agreed our sporting and economic terms and the contract will be signed in the coming days.”
At Omega Pharma-Lotto, Greipel will be partnered by former teammate Sebastian Lang. Lang and Greipel both rode for German amateur formation Team Köstritzer before signing professional contracts.
Greipel is expected to race in this year's Vuelta a Espana for HTC-Columbia. The Vuelta, which is the last Grand Tour of the 2010 season, begins on 28 August.
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