"One of the best sprinters in cycling history"
Lefevere and Kittel signed the deal at Schiphol Airport yesterday. Kittel broke his contract with Giant-Alpecin to be able to join the Etixx team, where he will replace Marc Cavendish. The Manxman is joining MTN-Qhubeka.
Kittel was motivated to join the Belgian team, where he will find his good friend and German colleague Toni Martin (photo below). Kittel had an excellent 2014 and won 8 stages in the Tour de France so far. This year was less of a success due to various reasons, but Kittel is eager to prove his critics wrong.
Lefevere is charmed by the German sprinter: "He showed his pure speed in the past. This makes him one of the best sprinters in cycling history." Kittel, who enjoys a clean reputation where doping is concerned, has 61 career victories.