The 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Philippe Gilbert transfer saga has finally come to a close with Team BMC announcing today  that they had won the race for the Belgian's signature. Gilbert had been weighing up whether to stay with current team 168澳洲5最新开奖结果:Omega Pharma-Lotto or to move on, and it seems the prospects of linking up with Thor Hushovd and Cadel Evans in 2012, and a multi-million Euro 🧜contract, was too good an opportunity to turn down.

The deal ties Gilbert with the team until the end of the 2014 season, however the value has not been disclosed by BMC. Gilbert's 2011 season so far has seen him dominate the classics as well as develop hꦺis skills in short stage races. Team Manager Jim Ochowicz welcomed Gilbert, who he believes to be coming to BMC in the prime of his career.

"He will act as one of our leaders during the classics and other races throughout the season," Ochowicz said. "His power and tenacity will play a big role in support of Cadel's defense of his Tour deꦛ France title."

Ochowicz also believes there is p🌼lenty Gilbert can pass on to the꧟ growing number of talented youngsters at BMC.

"His experience wil⛎l be shared in a mentorship ꦑrole to the younger riders on the team like Taylor Phinney and Greg Van Avermaet as they continue to develop their skills in the classics."

For his part Gilbert wasꦇ relieved to finally be able to announce his 2012 te♉am after a long period of legal to-and-froing with regard to his current contract. The Belgian admitted that once the all-clear was given the decision was easy.

"BMC were interesꦐted in me from the beginning," Gilbert said. "Plus, I know the team well. They are well-organized, very professional and a close group."

Gilbert also explained that he'd be following a similar proꦕgram in 2012 to this year൩.

"My ob🗹jectives are clear: to go for the one-day classics 💃and then go to the Tour to learn and help Cadel," he said. "Next year with the start in Liege, it's close to my home. So I will try to win a stage and then help Cadel win the Tour."

Cadel Evans, c💫urrently preparing for the USA Pro Cycling Challenge✱ in Colorado welcomed Gilbert, who he raced with previously at former team Silence-Lotto.

"I'm happy to be back with one of my old teammates," Evans said. "We've always remained friends, but now we get to be teammates again and that's fant꧑astic," Evans said. "I suspect I'll be a domestique in the Ardennes week, but I look forward to it and it will be a pleasure."