British rider Steve Cummings has signed to South African team MTN-Qhubeka for the 2015 season. Cummings leaves the BMC Racing team after three years at the squad.
The 33 year old from Merseyside will join the team to help support them in the Classics and to ride as team leader in selected races.
"I'm delighted and especially excited to have signed with MTN-Qhubeka," said Cummings. "I see it as a positive progression despite having been on World Tour teams the last few years. I feel the opportunities I will have with the team both individually and in support of my team-mates will lead to many successes for us all."
"There is a wonderful group of riders that have already enjoyed success and with the new wave of exciting signings, I feel sure I can help add to this. I am also looking forward to riding again with Eddy Boasson Hagen and helping to achieve the results his talent deserves."
MTN-Qhubeka team principal Doug Ryder said: "Steve is a great all-rounder with super strength in the time trial, his abilities and experience will benefit the team in the Classics and in the stage races as we look to become one of the most consistent high performing teams in 2015."
Steve Cummings on his way to placing 4th on Stage 4 and winning the overall title of the 2014 Tour Méditerranéen
(Image credit: Graham Watson)
Cummings won the Tour of the Mediterranean this season, and has previously won stages of the Vuelta a Espana, Tour of Beijing and Volta ao Algarve. He was part of Great Britain's team pursuit line-up at the 2004 Olympic Games, where they secured the silver medal, and won the world title in 2005.
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MTN-Qhubeka's Pro Continental status means that they are not automatically selected for the top-level WorldTour races, including the three Grand Tours. However, they still may be selected as a wildcard team, as they were for the Vuelta a Espana this year. The signing of riders of the calibre of Cummings, Boasson Hagen, Farrar and Goss will further help to earn them wildcard spots in the big races.
