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Cavendish signs for Qhubeka

Cape Town - MTN-Qhubeka, the team soon to be known as Team Dimension Data, today announced it has signed Mark Cavendish, Mark Renshaw and Bernhard Eisel.

According to a press release issued by the team, the addition of the three new members strengthens and adds depth to the team - the first African team to ride in the Tour de France

Cavendish has raced for teams including HTC Highroad, Sky, and Etixx-QuickStep and has built a stunning record of achievements. Some of his major achievements include becoming world champion in 2011, and notching up 26 Tour de France and 15 Giro d’Italia stage wins on his account. Not only has Cavendish gained credibility as a sporting icon, he also shines off the bike.

About joining the team, Mark said, "I’m super excited. It is a team that I have watched closely as it has grown, especially over this season and been really impressed with the spirit, strength and dynamics of the group. It’s fair to say that most of the peloton has seen how incredible the team raced this year.

"To join it with the target of helping to win even more races with other strong, experienced household cycling names like Mark Renshaw, Edvald Boasson-Hagen, Tyler Farrar, Daniel Teklehaimanot, Steve Cummings and of course Bernie Eisel is going to be real special, as well as assisting the talent of the young, African riders to top-level success."

He added, "For me personally, one of the biggest incentives is riding for a greater cause in the Qhubeka charity. I’m really looking forward to having a successful year on the road alongside the other guys and helping directly to get more bikes in the hands of people who need them."

Douglas Ryder, the team owner, expressed his joy at having Mark ride for them, "Mark Cavendish joining our team is a huge step forward for the team as we strive to get to the next level in world cycling. To also integrate Mark Renshaw and Bernie Eisel is a game changer in terms of performance and experience, which, added to the incredible talent we already have in the team opens up many possibilities for us.

"We look forward to working closely with Mark and the other riders to accelerate the growth of the team’s contributions on and off the bike in 2016 and beyond."

The team will apparently announce further arrivals and its 2016 roster in the next few days.

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