Africa’s first Pro-Continental cycling team, MTN-Qhubeka, has signed former world champion Mark Cavendish for the 2016 season.
Cavendish brings with him his lead-out man Mark Renshaw and Bernhard Eisel to add firepower to the team, which will be known as Team Dimension Data going forward.
The team made a spectacular Tour de France debut this year, with rider Steve Cummings taking a stage win on Mandela Day and finishing fifth overall in the team classification.
Cavendish, who counts 15 Giro d’Italia and 26 Tour de France stage wins among his achievements, said he was excited to be a part of the African outfit.
“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.”
The Manx Missile has previously turned out for Sky, HTC-Highroad and current squad Etixx-QuickStep.
Team boss Doug Ryder said his signing represented a huge step forward for the African outfit’s collective ambitions.
“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.”
Cavendish added that he was looking forward to riding for the Qhubeka charity and putting bicycles in the hands of people who need them.
