Omega Pharma - Quick-Step Cycling Team is happy to announce the arrival of two other riders for the 2014 season: dutchman Wout Poels and the colombian Janier Acevedo. Poels is signed for one year (until 2014), and Acevedo two years (until 2015).
Poels turns 26 in October and he has already shown his talent. He entered more than once in the top 10 of big race general classifications such as Tirreno-Adriatico, where he was 10th in the 2013 edition. He also wore the white jersey in 2012. His top results also include a 9th place overall at Vuelta al Pais Vasco in 2013, and Tour de l'Ain where he was 8th place overall with a stage victory. In recent years he earned a 4th place at Tour de Pologne and 3rd at Tour Méditerranéen in 2011. Finally, he was 2nd in the Tour de Luxembourg GC in 2012.
"Poels will be important to reinforce our team for the Ardennes Classics like Liege, Fleche and Amstel," OPQS CEO Patrick Lefevere said. "He also has the ability to shine in short stage races. We believe in his quality and that he can further grow and develop, finding his possibilities within our team."
Acevedo, 27, showed his talent on the American roads this year with a series of consistent solid performances since the beginning of the year. For example, he was 8th in GC at the Tour de San Luis in Argentina. Furthermore, the Colombian rider showed his talent at Tour of the Gila with a stage win and 5th place GC. He also impressed at AMGEN Tour of California with a 3rd place overall sealed by a beautiful stage win. In August Acevedo was also 3rd overall at Tour of Utah, and he also was 4th in the GC at USA Pro Challenge with a victory at Beaver Creek.
"Acevedo is a further step in the development of our group of athletes for the grand tours," Lefevere said. "Acevedo will stand with Rigoberto Urán Urán in the races in which Rigoberto will be the leader, and he also has the possibility to play his cards as he did this year."