Today, Team Argos-Shimano announced the signing of two American talents, Lawson Craddock (Bontrager Cycling Team), and Chad Haga (Team Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies). 

Craddock, who is currently racing at the USA Pro Challenge, came in fifth in the second stage and holds the same position in the general classification. He placed eighth in the GC and won the young rider’s jersey in the 2013 Amgen Tour of California (USA). He also won a stage of Le Triptyque des Monts et Châteaux (BEL) and finished second in the GC.
 
“Development was the primary factor in my decision to join Team Argos-Shimano. For me to continue to progress as a rider, the immediate focus needs to be on my development, not necessarily on my results. I am confident that Team Argos-Shimano has the plan, infrastructure and team philosophy to help me achieve my goals as a cyclist,” Craddock said. “I look forward to joining my fellow teammates at Team Argos-Shimano and accomplishing not only my personal objectives but our team’s ambitions in 2014 and beyond.”
 
With the signing of Chad Haga, a solid all-rounder, Team Argos-Shimano has hired another top-10 finisher in the 2013 Amgen Tour of California (USA); Haga placed 10th in the GC. Haga has also showed his strength this year with a victory in the prologue of the Tour of Elk Grove (USA) and second in the GC of the Crédito Agricola Costa Azul (POR).
 

“I’m a GC rider, as I can climb and time trial well. On Team Argos-Shimano I hope to develop myself as a GC rider and a domestique in mountainous races,” Haga said and continued, “I chose Team Argos-Shimano because of their support structure. I really believe that they can help me become a better rider as they have done with many young riders, so that I can reach my full potential. I also like the way the team races. It appears to be a great team environment in which all the riders are friends as well, which results in great teamwork. I especially appreciate the team’s commitment to clean racing.”
 
General Manager Iwan Spekenbrink said: “We are delighted that these two talented riders have chosen to be part of our team. We are looking forward to working with them. To help them grow not only as riders but also as individuals, we will give them access to our coaching staff, innovation and science experts, and the best training conditions.” 

Both riders signed two-year contracts and will join the team as of January 1, 2014.