Saturday, 28 September 2019 – Bahrain Merida Pro Cycling Team is delighted to announce that Yukiya Arashiro, Chun Kai Feng, Luka Pibernik, and Domen Novak have extended their contracts.
"All four riders have been with our team since its launch, and we're thrilled that they will continue to be part of its future direction with Rod Ellingworth and McLaren." - Team Bahrain Merida, General Manager Brent Copeland.
"They are a mix of young and experienced riders, that have shown their dedication to teamwork. We will continue to help them thrive in the sport as we have seen how much sacrifice they put into training and racing." - Copeland added.
Japanese star Yukiya Arashiro, who suffered a training accident early this season, has recovered and is now back in the peloton, which is a testament to his perseverance and professionalism. Next year will be Yukiya's fourth season with the team.
The Taiwanese rider Chun Kai Feng had a strong start to this season with two more medals in Asian Championships: Silver in TT and bronze in the road race. Despite a crash at the Tour de Romandie, he secured another title as the National TT champion in June. Feng is looking forward to his 6th season in the WorldTour and above all to his first Grand Tour, and the Olympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
The other National Champion to extended his contract is Domen Novak, who won Slovenian road race title. The 23-year-old rider claimed his first National title in June, after a silver medal in 2018. Domen has signed a two-year extension with the team and aims to be amongst the best young riders in the peloton. He took the white jersey at the Tour of Japan in 2017 and the Tour of Croatia 2016.
Fellow Slovenian Luka Pibernik will also ride with the team in 2020, supporting the team captains and working to build on his results. The 25-year-old has significant potential, winning Slovenian National title in 2013 and 2015. In 2018 he took the bronze medal at the Slovenian Championships with Bahrain Merida.
Team Bahrain Merida is thrilled to have all four riders continue with the team, and we look forward to embarking on the next phase.
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