After seven seasons with BMC Racing Team, German rider Marcus Burghardt is set to leave the team after signing for BORA – Hansgrohe for the 2017 season. The 33 year-old is considered to be a very strong domestique and will be a great addition to help Peter Sagan during his classics campaign.
Burghardt started his career with the T-Mobile team in 2005 and spent five years with the German squad before switching to BMC. He took some big wins during his time with T-Mobile including a stage win in the Tour de France in 2008 and Gent-Wevelgem in 2007.
“It is great to ride for a German team again,” said Burghardt. “I am really looking forward to this new challenge at BORA – hansgrohe. For sure it is great to go into the Classics season together with Peter Sagan, but it will be also interesting for me to work with the young guys in the team.”
“If you join a WorldTeam, all of a sudden you have to ride a lot of races at the top level. For young riders this is a tough challenge, both physically and mentally. And I think with my experience I can help a lot, that the young riders in the team manage to take this step a little easier.”
The team have also announced the signing of German U-23 Champion Pascal Ackermann who arrives from the Rad-Net Rose Team.
“Can’t wait to start this WorldTour challenge, and I hope I can adopt to this level quickly,” said Ackermann. “Of course I will support the team as a domestique and lead-out man, but if there is a chance for me to go for a result, you wouldn’t need to tell me twice I know at this level I will have to start from zero, but I’m keen to learn and to develop. One thing is for sure: I will face this challenge with a really big smile.”
“BORA – Hansgrohe has always been my first choice, but a few months ago I would never have expected to race on the same team as Peter Sagan. He is unique in cycling, his attitude, his style of riding, he is simply fun to watch on a bike. I am really delighted and thankful to join BORA – Hansgrohe.”
