In a press release, the Garmin-Slipstream team announced the signing of six new riders for the upcoming season.
The newcomers include a mix of accomplished pros and up and coming talents:
Robbie Hunter – the South African from Barloworld will look to assist sprinter Tyler Farrar as he battles the Columbia-HTC Cavendish train.
Fredrik Kessiakoff – the unfamiliar Swede, with a strong mountain bike background like Garmin’s own Ryder Hesjdal, excels in climbing and stage racing. Kessiakoff will be leaving Fuji-Servetto after strong results in the Tour de Romandie and Langkawi this season.
Michel Kreder – the 21 year-old will be making the step up from Rabobank Continental where he enjoyed a successful season, highlighted by a win in the prestigious Spanish stage race, Circuit Montanes. Kreder also has a strong finishing sprint, placing second to Cervelo’s Haussler in the Tour Du Poitou.
Peter Stetina – the two-time U23 time trial champion will be graduating from Garmin’s development team, Felt-Holowesko partners, after winning a stage in Tour de L’isard and placing second to Astana’s Levi Leipheimer in stage one of the Tour de Gila. The young American talent has been guided by Jonathan Vaughters since he was 15 years old.
Johan Vansummeren – the lanky Belgian classics riders will strengthen Garmin’s spring cobbled campaign riding alongside Dutchman Martijn Maaskant and American Tyler Farrar.
Tom Zirbel – the powerful rider will bring extra fire power for Garmin’s already intimidating time trial train. Zirbel, nicknamed Thor for his strong build, currently tops the domestic rankings and recently placed second to Garmin’s Dave Zabriskie at the US Pro Time Trial Championships.
Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Slipstream Sports explains: “We’re poised for another exciting year with these riders rounding out an already strong roster. We started the team with the goal of developing young talent, so riders Peter Stetina and Michel Kreder were natural fits for us. And this year we’ll continue to build on the success Tyler has had by giving him more lead-out guys, and the success that Christian and Wiggo have had in the mountains by adding talented climbers. But make no mistake, the riders on this list are all capable of stage wins and one-day race victories. 2010 is shaping up to be a big year for us.”