The Belkin Pro Cycling TEAM signed two new riders for the upcoming 2015 season: experienced Belgian Kevin De Weert joins from team Omega Pharma-Quick Step and talented New Zealander George Bennett from Cannondale.

“We know Kevin thanks to his previous stint with the team,” said Sports Director Nico Verhoeven. “He has done well in grand tours and at our team, he will do his utmost to assist our classification riders in stage races.

“George is a young talent, who we want to allow time to develop and adjust to our philosophy. We expect good things from him in the stage races.”

De Weert finished in the top 20 overall, 16th and 12th, of the 2010 and 2011 Tour de France. In 2003 and 2004, he was part of the Rabobank set-up, after having raced for the continental team for two years.

“I’m very pleased with this move,” said the 32-year-old. “I trained under Nico when I was an amateur and always wanted to work with him again as a pro. It’s great that after twelve years that finally is going to happen. Nico brings out the best in me.

“I want to assist Robert Gesink and Wilco Kelderman as well as possible in their ambitions for good overall results.”

Bennett had a turbulent year in 2014. The 24-year-old Kiwi did well by finishing ninth in the Tour of Utah, but saw his overall ambitions in Vuelta a España end after a crash. He's looking forward to continue his development with the team next year.