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Team Dimension Data sign top Danish rider

Cape Town - Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka have announced the signing of Michael Valgren who will be joining the team from January 1, 2019, having signed a two-year contract.

The 26-year-old Dane comes with a burgeoning reputation and has had an excellent 2018 for the Astana Pro Team. His addition to the squad will add significant quality over the coming years.

2018 highlights for Valgren include victory in the Amstel Gold Race, sealing the biggest win of his career. This followed his earlier win in February as he captured the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad title, making the decisive break with just over 2km to go and soloing to an impressive victory. He also finished fourth at the Tour of Flanders.

To go with a strong Classics campaign, Valgren featured prominently at the Tour de France with three top-10 finishes, including the Team Time Trial, and was placed just outside of the top-20 in the GC at the Critérium du Dauphiné.

He’s ridden the Tour de France on four occasions and the Vuelta a Espana once, his debut Grand Tour, and has six professional wins to his name.

Michael Valgren - Rider

“I’m extremely excited to be joining Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka. It’s a big opportunity for me to go to a team that’s keen on really building its Classics squad. I really look forward to working with the guys on the team and I see a big future there for myself.

“I’m also really proud to join the team because of what it stands for: its mission to distribute bicycles through the Qhubeka charity. It’s a super-cool mission and I’m really looking forward to being a part of that.

“Right now I can’t wait for 2019 to get going on my new BMC bike, which is obviously also really important these days - the equipment. In that regard Team Dimension Data is right on top of things so I’m sure there will be some great, great years ahead.”

Douglas Ryder - Team Principal

“Michael joining us is a huge coup for Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka. He’s been one of the stand-out riders in 2018, with his victories early on in the year backed up by really strong performances at the Critérium du Dauphiné and at the Tour de France.

“Michael signing is another step in our journey to the top of the sport in particular gives a major boost to our Classics campaign, where he showed such good form earlier in the year.

“Equally important though is how impressed he’s been by the Qhubeka charity and the opportunity he now has, as one of our riders, to make a meaningful impact in changing lives through bicycles.

“We can’t wait to get started with him as we continue to build towards our ambitious Vision 2020 goal.”

Rolf Aldag - Head of Performance

"Even at his young age Michael is already a very respected leader in the peloton. He has outstanding tactical skills, is hugely focused on the detail in his technical equipment and, simply, is determined to win. His signing is hugely significant for us and I can't wait to start working with him."

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