"At the first team meeting in October I said that this is going to be a new adventure for all of us, Sagan said. "I think with this team we can start a revolution in cycling. For me it is key to have backing from the team and at Bora-Hansgrohe I felt comfortable right from the beginning."
Previously known as the ProContinental Bora-Argon10 team, the outfit took on Hansgrohe as a new sponsor, added Sagan as its cornerstone rider and Specialized for bikes as it angled for a seat in the WorldTour.
“Since 2015, when Bora entered their first season as the main sponsor with us, our clear plan was to become a World Team, manager Ralph Denk said. "I already said at the beginning of this season that I think that the Grand Départ 2017 in Düsseldorf is a window of opportunity for German cycling.
"Together with our new title sponsor Hansgrohe and new partner Specialized, we have been able to put together a world-class cycling team. With the double UCI World Champion Peter Sagan we have one of the top stars for the first part of the season.
"For the Grand Tours we have Rafal Majka and Leopold König as key riders. Still the team will also support German speaking talents. This step up to the UCI World Tour means also a lot of changes on the management side. 2016 the team had about 45 employees, now we are up to 75. I think we improved in all areas."
With Leopold König returning to the fold after a short stint at Sky, and Rafal Majka joining former Tinkoff team-mate Sagan at Bora-Hansgrohe, the team should be a presence in some of the biggest stage races in cycling.
“I am very happy to be back in the team that gave me the opportunity to turn pro," König said. Obviously, a lot of things changed since I left. Bora-Hansgrohe will be one of the biggest world teams. We have ambitious goals, but also a strong roster for 2017."
