GreenEdge Cycling has announced the signing of Sebastian Langeveld to the new Australian team. The 26 year old has spent the last five years riding for Dutch squad Rabobank, but will now move across to the new set up in order to form part of a strong attack for the cobbled Classics.
“When you look through the list of young riders that are potential winners of races like Flanders or Paris-Roubaix, Sebastian’s name is right up the top,” general manager Shayne Bannan said.
“We want to build a strong team for the spring Classics because they are such dramatic races that are at the heart of cycling’s long tradition. And we believe, given time and the right support, Sebastian can be successful in these races.”
Langeveld won Omloop Het Nieuwsblad this year, and finished fifth in the Tour of Flanders. While there were rumours earlier in the year that he’d be heading to Team Sky, those results were enough to get the attention of the GreenEdge management team, which has already confirmed the signing of a former Paris-Roubaix winner, Stuart O’Grady.
“Obviously riding the Tour de France is high on our list but we are building a team that will be around for a long time and can fight on all fronts throughout the season, which is what makes Sebastian such an important signing for us,” Bannan said.
“He’s on the verge of the best part of his career with plenty of years in front of him. I believe we can provide him with the best support available, on and off the bike, to help him to achieve all his objectives.”
In what some may perceive as ironic, Rabobank have signed Australian sprinter Mark Renshaw while Langeveld is the second Dutch rider from the squad after Pieter Weening, to join the Australian team.
Langeveld is convinced he’s made the right move. “I enjoyed my time at Rabobank and they have helped me get to this point in my career,” he said. “But I’m ready for the next step. I’m ready to take on more of a leadership role and GreenEdge Cycling gives me that opportunity.
“From when I started racing I’ve always dreamt about the spring Classics, particularly the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix and coming from the Amstel Gold Race. Joining GreenEdge is the best move for me to be able to make these dreams a reality.”
GreenEdge Cycling is hoping to be the first Australian team to have a World Tour licence from the International Cycling Union (UCI), with its application said to be on track. Along with Langeveld, O’Grady and Weening, the team has so far also confirmed Jack Bobridge, Cameron and Travis Meyer, while the UCI has already announced Daniel Teklehaimanot will be part of the set-up.