The German joins MTN-Qhubeka

Linus Gerdemann failed to find a team for 2013, and as Radioshack-Nissan did not renew the contract the German has practically been on his own ever since. Nonetheless, he now reveals to Cyclingnews that he is joining South African MTN-Qhubeka, and that it was his close friend Gerald Ciolek who convinced him:

“I've trained for a long time with him. For me, he is like a young cycling brother as we spend a lot of time together on the bike and off the bike. It was such a great moment for me [when Ciolek won Milan-San Remo] because I knew he had that potential and I was really happy to see him use it in one of the most important races on the calendar and that was very inspiring and motivating for me," Gerdemann stated.

The German's career has been consistently successful, and he has picked up multiple Grand Tour victories and many other stage and race wins. Aditionally he is experienced, and has performed for some of the most successful teams in recent history (Team CSC – 2005, T-Mobile Team – 2006-2008, Team Milram – 2009-2010, and finally Leopard Trek/Radioshack-Nissan in 2011-2012).

The German will definitely be an improvement to the ambitious MTN-Qhubeka, who are aiming at getting an invitation to a Grand Tour in 2014.

“I want to improve next year but I also hope to guide the younger riders so we can enjoy success together as a team. I think it’s going to be great for us all to see the riders from Africa compete at this level.”