Slovakian time trial champion looks set to leave twin brother Martin behind

The BMC Racing Team has announced the signature of Peter Velits for 2014. The current Slovakian time trial champion has been with Omega Pharma-Quick Step since 2012, after riding for HTC-Highroad and Team Milram. Having ridden for the same teams since 2004, however, Velits looks set to be leaving twin brother Martin behind for the first time.



"Peter has a deep background in the sport at multiple levels," BMC Racing Team president and general manager Jim Ochowicz said. "In particular, he will add power to the team as a skilled time triallist and climbing expert."



Velits finished third in the 2010 Vuelta a España, won the 2012 Tour of Oman, and was also a member of the Omega Pharma-Quick Step team that won the inaugural World team time trial championship last year; he is expected to strengthen BMC Racing’s Grand Tour team.



"Everyone knows that the BMC Racing Team is one of the best teams – not only with the riders, but also the staff and the equipment," he said. "So I am really happy that I can join the team for next season.”



Velits has yet to set himself any specific target races, but has a general aim as he joins the American team next year.



"I just want to get better," he said. "I want to grow as a rider and, with this team, it's going to be possible because I can learn new methods of training and working with new equipment. I don't have any specific goal that I want to win this race or that race. I just want to really grow as a rider."