Björn Thurau joins Wanty-Groupe Gobert in 2016. The 27-year old German rode for Bora-Argon18 this season and previously was part of French team Europcar for three years.

“To me Wanty-Groupe Gobert means a new start. I was looking for a team where I can show my aggressive and attacking style of riding. Belgium is the ultimate cycling country so I am particularly looking forward to being part of a Belgian team in 2016," Thurau explained. 

Sports director Hilaire Van Der Schueren and Thurau have been in touch for years. “In the past seasons we spoke to each other once in a while and Björn indicated several times that he would really like to be part of our team some time. That moment has now come. He is a very strong rider and rides on WorldTour level. Björn is able to do a Grand Tour and the Giro d'Italia is still a big ambition for Wanty-Groupe Gobert. He also will be of great value in the classics."

Thurau still waits for his first pro victory but came close on a few occasions. He is a rider who always attacks and by racing like this he won the mountain jerseys in both the Tour de Suisse and Tour of Luxembourg. 

“His style of racing matches our team philosophy. He can ride at the front of the bunch when we need to close a gap as well. The fact he chose to sign with us shows the appreciation for Wanty-Groupe Gobert, our way of racing and the race programme we can offer," Van Der Schueren adds. 

“I want to give the people a show and make the race interesting. In that respect I am a bit like Jens Voigt. He told me that he likes my style of racing and that a victory will come if I continue to ride aggressively like this. This is the next step I would like to make at Wanty-Groupe Gobert. I want to show my best racing again and make the races exciting and interesting. I want to race smart as well and bring something home for the team and its supporters," Thurau concludes. 

Björn Thurau is the seventh new signing for 2016 and the first German rider in the history of the team. Dimitri Claeys, Kenny Dehaes, Thomas Degand, Robin Stenuit, Gaëtan Bille and Antoine Demoitié already signed a contract for next season with Jean-François Bourlart's team. 

Marco Marcato, Roy Jans, Jérôme Baugnies, Kévin Van Melsen, Lander Seynaeve, Simone Antonini, Frederik Backaert and Tom Devriendt were already on the 2016 roster.