Peter Sagan moves to the same team as Irish sprinter Sam Bennett next season in a three-year deal. Above, winning stage 2 and taking the yellow jersey at the Tour de France last month.
Despite trying to convince the media during the Tour de France that the rumours it had signed world champion Peter Sagan were without foundation, Bora-Argon 18 has today confirmed the rider will join them next year.
Sagan’s currently employer Oleg Tinkov, who owns Team Tinkoff, said recently the rider’s current salary was in the region of €5 million per year and he claimed he knew for certain Bora-Argon 18 had agreed to pay him even more.
The team will move from ProContinental to WorldTour level next year and with a new sponsor it will be called Bora-Hansgrohe, with Sagan signing a three-year deal.
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Bike manufacturer Specialized is expected to replace Argon 18 as the bike sponsor of the team and will very likely contribute to Sagan’s salary.
The implications of Sagan moving to the team for Ireland’s Sam Bennett are unclear. The Irish fastman is currently in this third season with the squad.
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Sagan brings a number of riders with him to the team including Maciej Bodnar, Michael Kolar and Erik Baška, and his brother Juraj.
He is not only one of the best riders in the bunch but is far and away the most entertaining and is a huge hit with fans. His signing is a major coup for the German-based team.
It is very keen to make a big impression when the Tour de France starts in Germany next year.
Team manager Ralph Denk said the team’s objective had always been to get to the top of pro cycling and it believed it was taking a big step towards that goal in signing Sagan.
“It is a great honour to welcome one of the most popular cyclists of our time in our team,” said Denk.
“That’s why we tried to provide familiar surroundings as far as possible. I think Peter’s trust in us proves that we did a good job the last years and have a solid reputation in the peloton.”
Denk added more new riders would soon be announced. “My goal is a well-balanced roster for the 2017 season,” he explained.
“With Peter the classics will be a big highlight for us. But we also want to play a role in the Grand Tours, therefore we still look for new signings.”
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