The BMC Racing Team has announced the signature of Peter Velits for 2014. The current Slovakian time trial champion has been with Omega Pharma-Quick Step since 2012, after riding for HTC-Highroad and Team Milram. Having ridden for the same teams since 2004, however, Velits looks set to be leaving twin brother Martin behind for the first time.
"Peter has a deep background in the sport at multiple levels," BMC Racing Team president and general manager Jim Ochowicz said. "In particular, he will add power to the team as a skilled time triallist and climbing expert."
Velits finished third in the 2010 Vuelta a España, won the 2012 Tour of Oman, and was also a member of the Omega Pharma-Quick Step team that won the inaugural World team time trial championship last year; he is expected to strengthen BMC Racing’s Grand Tour team.
"Everyone knows that the BMC Racing Team is one of the best teams – not only with the riders, but also the staff and the equipment," he said. "So I am really happy that I can join the team for next season.”
Velits has yet to set himself any specific target races, but has a general aim as he joins the American team next year.
"I just want to get better," he said. "I want to grow as a rider and, with this team, it's going to be possible because I can learn new methods of training and working with new equipment. I don't have any specific goal that I want to win this race or that race. I just want to really grow as a rider."