UAE Team Emirates reach deal to sign Alexander Kristoff, although contract not yet signed

Contract still subject to passing medical checks

Alexander Kristoff wins stage seven of the 2016 Tour of California
(Image credit: Watson)
By Henry Robertshaw
published

Alexander Kristoff looks set to join UAE Team Emirates for the 2018 and 2019 seasons after the team announced that it had reached a deal with the Norwegian sprinter.

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In an announcement on Facebook, the team said that Kristoff will join the team next year, although a "definitive contract" has not yet been signed due to "routine tests" still needing to be carried out by the team's medical staff.

https://www.facebook.com/UAETEAMEMIRATES/posts/1160625954082424

Kristoff had been widely expected to leave Katusha-Alpecin at the end of the season following a reported falling out with the team after being told that he was overweight and needed to lose a few kilograms.

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The recent RideLondon winner's departure from the Swiss team would seem to open the door for Marcel Kittel to come in as his replacement. The German rider has been strongly linked with such a move, although Quick-Step Floors are said to still be working to try and retain their star sprinter.

Kristoff's move is also likely to disappoint Astana, who had been seen as the most likely destination for the Katusha-Alpecin man.

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Henry Robertshaw

Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

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