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."
