25 July, 2017, Santa Rosa, California (USA)
Brent Bookwalter, Alessandro De Marchi, Michael Schär and Danilo Wyss will continue with BMC Racing Team beyond the 2017 season, General Manager Jim Ochowicz today announced.
Ochowicz said the four riders bring a wealth of experience and diversity to the team.
“In Brent Bookwalter and Danilo Wyss, we have 20 years of combined experience at BMC Racing Team. Both riders have signed on for their eleventh year with the team and I think that speaks for itself. Brent consistently proves himself in both a leader and support capacity and Danilo is a rider that is always there to support our leaders but will make the most of an opportunity when it comes his way. To have riders with this level of racing experience in the team is invaluable and I look forward to seeing Brent and Danilo continue to develop with us,” Ochowicz explained.
“Michael Schär is a clear road captain within BMC Racing Team. No matter what the race situation is, we trust in Michael’s ability to support the team leaders, whether it is at the Classics or a stage race, so we are very happy to see Michael extend his contract. In his three years with BMC Racing Team, Alessandro De Marchi has delivered some excellent results, including Grand Tour stage wins, as well as being a key support rider for our Grand Tour leaders, so Alessandro is a great asset to our team.”
Brent Bookwalter – with BMC Racing Team since 2008
“When I reflect back on the past 10 years and ahead to 2018, the people who make up the BMC Racing Team are what made it an easy decision to return for my 11th season. I’ve relished the chances to grow out of a pure worker roll and have the opportunity to also race for personal results, leading the team when the opportunity arises. I know I have greater potential when it comes to this role within the team and am confident I have more to give. I’ve put myself in the position to win on several occasions this season, so I am motivated to translate these opportunities into victories for myself and the team.”
Alessandro De Marchi – with BMC Racing Team since 2015
“I’m happy to continue with BMC Racing Team next year. I think it will be another year to find and understand my role in the team and I am happy to have the support from the team to do this. Firstly, I am focused on ending this season well as I think I am missing a good result and the kind of presence I want to have in the races. Of course, I then want to continue like this next year and deliver good results for myself and the team.”
Michael Schär – with BMC Racing Team since 2010
“After eight years with BMC Racing Team and coming into my ninth year, it really feels like a family. We have a great team and a good spirit. I have some good friends here and performance wise, we have the absolute best equipment. I feel very good in this team after so many years and I think I have proved myself through my performances since I started with the team. I’m looking forward to a good future with the team and a lot of nice moments in the Classics and the Grand Tours.”
Danilo Wyss – with BMC Racing Team since 2008
“After spending ten years with BMC Racing Team, I feel really at home here. The team is improving every year and I see a lot of big differences in BMC Racing Team now compared to when I started in 2008. I’m really happy to sign my contract after finishing my second Tour de France and I look forward to starting my eleventh year in 2018. I think we have a great team and I hope we will continue our good results for the rest of the season and into next year.”
