29-year-old Martin's talent is diverse, with his palmares demonstrating aptitude for both the one-day races and the general classifications. Martin currently rides for Team Cannondale-Garmin protected by POC helmets.

 

His remarkable one-day race victories include Giro di Lombardia 2014, Liege-Bastogne-Liege 2013, and the Japan Cycle Cup Road Race in 2010. Martin's stage race successes include winning Volta Ciclista a Catalunya 2013 and Tour de Pologne 2010. Martin is also a two-time Tour de Pologne stage winner and he won the mountainous 9th stage of the 2013 Tour de France, which culminated in Bagnéres de Bigorre, as well as the 9th stage of La Vuelta a España 2011, which concluded on the Covatilla summit.

 

Martin has been a top general classification finisher in many races throughout his career, including a 2nd place in the 2014 Tour of Beijing and 7th place in the 2014 edition of La Vuelta a España. Yesterday, Martin finished 2nd in stage 6 of this year's Vuelta a Espana for his Cannondale-Garmin protected by POC team, and he also finished 2nd in stage 8 and 11 of this year's Tour de France.

 

"I'm really excited to join the Etixx-QuickStep team, which has been a point of reference in cycling for years," Martin told Roadcycling.com. "I hope to be able to take the next step in my career with Etixx-QuickStep. I would like to improve even more and establish consistency in my performances. I think I am entering an important phase of my career at my age. I feel I am stronger than ever, mentally and physically."

 

"My season will be built around the Ardennes Classics, where I can join forces with Julian Alaphilippe. I hope to teach him some things and help him to evolve as a rider, while playing protagonist when I have the opportunity."

 

"I also would like to do well in the stage races," Martin explained. "Maybe try again in a grand tour for a good general classification result. I think I have potential to be a factor in the grand tours, whether it be stage hunting or in the overall classification. I am motivated to add to my top career performances while proudly wearing my new team colors for the next two years."

 

"The arrival of Dan Martin is an important moment for the team," Etixx - QuickStep CEO Patrick Lefevere commented. "He's a guy who has been able to win one-day races in the past - but also stage races. He has also proven to be a general classification contender in grand tours during his career."

 

"Martin is now 29-years-old, so I estimate he is at the peak of his career. He had an unlucky 2015 early season with Team Cannondale-Garmin, but it is clear in his most recent performances - even the current La Vuelta - that he has a lot of spirit."

 

"For our team this is also a key addition because Martin can be a presence in the Ardennes Classics, alongside young French rider Julian Alaphilippe. His contributions can be two-fold for Julian. Julian can learn a lot from a seasoned veteran like him. At the same time, Martin is a guy who has proven he can win in the Ardennes. The peloton respects his presence as a contender and this alleviates some pressure for Julian. Martin and Alaphilippe can form a bit of an Ardennes dynamic duo."

 

Martin is a complete rider who is able to perform well in stage races, one-day-races and grand tours and we are excited to see what he can do with our jersey on his back for the next two years," Lefevre concluded.

 

Further contract terms have not been revealed.