09.06.2014 @ 17:08 Posted by Andy Pedersen

Trek Factory Racing has announced that Julian Arredondo has re-signed with the team on a new multi-year contract. The 25-year-old Colombian will remain with the team until the end of 2016.

Arredondo joined the new team over winter. He thrived early on in the season, taking two stage victories in San Luis, and went on to animate the race in Flèche Wallonne and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. He rode a stellar Giro d’Italia, claiming stage 18 and taking the Mountains’ classification.

“In the short time that Julian has been in the pro peloton, he has solidified his place there,” said General Manager Luca Guercilena. “We are really happy with Julian’s development this season. His appetite for racing is contagious and in the same time he’s always ready to take lessons, being new to this level of racing and all. His mindset is right and his talent is obvious.”

Arredondo is very happy with his extension and also his first season with the team, which has given him a great deal of support and help.

“I’m very happy with this news. It’s great to be able to announce the contract extension so early in the season. I have had so much support from everyone in the team. An extra year added to my contract is a sign that the team believes in me. It is also a recognition of the hard work I have done. I have been living like a pro, even though I wasn’t a pro yet,” said Arredondo. “It means great satisfaction for me. It means security and stability and it makes me hungry to keep working hard and ambitious for more nice results.”

The contract extension fits the team’s mission to invest in young and international riders. Luca Guercilena says the extension gives time and space to work on Arredondo’s development.

“Julian has 2,5 years left in his contract now, which will allow us to continuously monitor his development. We believe in him. Trek believes in him. His future is bright.”

Arredondo echoed Guercilena’s vision on development.

“I let Luca know that I am very happy with the team and he told me the same. There was no reason to change. What would happen if I change? No one knows. If I’m happy, then there’s not reason to go anywhere else. I’m the best bike rider I can be when I’m happy. This is one of the best world tour teams.”

“I am thankful for those who have always believed in me, both in the team and back home in Colombia. The Giro took my family and friends’ in Colombia breath away. I hope to give them more sensations like that.”

Arredondo is back in Colombia now for some rest after the Giro d’Italia. His next goals are the Tour of Utah and the Tour of Colorado in August.