After having a development team connected to their structure for several years, Giant-Shimano team found is not effective enough as a way discover and raise future stars of cycling, and thus decided to quit that programme. Instead, the Dutch squad will organize talent identification events, hoping to reach out to the global talent pool.

“We have explored the capacities of having a development team connected to our structure this past season, but found it not effective enough in developing our team structure as a whole to continue it for another season,” explained Team Giant-Shimano general manager Iwan Spekenbrink.

Talents days organized several times each year will serve as a basis of their new approach to talent scouting. Then, riders emerging from first tests – checking both their physical and mental capabilities - as promising enough, will be provided with a chance to work with specialists from the World Tour level to prove their value as future professionals.

“There are many talents out there, and many riders slip through without being given a real chance to show their true capabilities,” said Spekenbrink. “This is why we have developed a new concept, aimed at giving more young riders the opportunity to use our facilities and to get their chance.”

Even though the team has a Dutch license and international orientation, they will be mostly focused on discovering and developing German talents, to raise next Kittels and Degenkolbs.