Alberto Contador, the seven-time Grand Tour winner currently riding for Tinkoff, will switch teams to Trek-Segafredo in 2017, with the primary aim of leading the team at the Tour de France.
The news comes after an announcement earlier in the year that the Tinkoff team, owned by Oleg Tinkoff, will disband at the end of 2016. Contador has spent the previous 6 seasons at the team after joining from Astana in 2011.
'I am thrilled about the opportunity that is in front of me,' Contador said. 'Trek-Segafredo is a very attractive and ambitious project that really inspires me. I had some excellent conversations with the team management, and we have a lot of goals and priorities in common. The big objective is to try and win the most important races on the calendar – first and foremost the Tour de France.'
Contador's last victory at the race was in 2009, and two of the last three of his appearances at the race have ended with the Spaniard crashing out, so time is running out for the now 33 year old to claim another Tour victory.
'I am convinced that this team can provide me with the best structure and bring me in the best condition to the races. I race to win, and I am determined to get intensely invested in this team.'
Trek-Segafredo general manager Luca Guercilena said: 'Alberto is a formidable rider and a real fighter. He’s a champion. There is really no one like Alberto in the current peloton, and we are very happy to welcome him to the team. With Alberto, I believe we are taking the next step in developing our team. Next year, we’ll be stronger and all-around better and broader.'