The BMC Racing Team has inked a deal with the promising young American climber Peter Stetina, who will transfer across from the Garmin-Sharp team over the winter.
Stetina has been a longstanding part of his current squad’s setup. He rode with the predecessor teams TIAA – CREF and Team Slipstream in 2006 and 2007 respectively; after going to the related VMG Felt development team in 2008 and 2009, he signed with the Garmin Transition teams in 2010 and has remained there since.
Commenting today on his move, the 26 year old said that knowing a couple of key riders well was a factor in his decision.
“BMC is notorious for having the top equipment and the team for its top support, plus it was a chance to reunite with my good friends, Taylor Phinney and Tejay van Garderen,” he explained.
“I also worked a lot with (BMC Racing Team Performance Manager) Allan Peiper last year and I really respect him. He was a big draw in coming. All the stars aligned, really.”
Ninth overall in the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in 2012, he placed third in the GP Miguel Indurain and fourth overall in the Tour de Langkawi.
The BMC Racing Team see him initially as a domestique de lux, although his abilities could see him heading in a different direct over time.
“Pete comes from a family of past and present cyclists and brings with him a nice balance of experience in the many stage races and grand tours that he has participated in over the years,” said BMC Racing Team President/General Manager Jim Ochowicz.
“He has acted as a top support rider in the mountain stages where his teams have found success. We expect the same here at the BMC Racing Team and are eager to start our work together.”
Stetina, who is the son of former American pro Dale, is hoping that he will get more opportunities.
“I would really like to take my own chance in some smaller, one-week stage races,” he explained. “So I would champion my own cause in those races and be a top mountain domestique in the biggest ones, especially the Tour de France.
“I would really like to ride the Tour next year for the first time,” he added.