Alpecin waste no time with triple signing on opening day of transfer market
The Belgian team has confirmed the arrivals of Iván García Cortina, Casper van Uden and Madis Mihkels for the 2027 season, adding experience to its Classics squad and further depth to its sprinting ranks.
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García Cortina and Mihkels have signed contracts through 2028, while Van Uden has agreed a three year deal that will keep him with the team until the end of 2029.
The recruitment of García Cortina adds another experienced option to Alpecin-Premier Tech’s Classics squad. The 30- year-old Spaniard joins after six seasons with Movistar and has built much of his career around the biggest one day races.
He finished ninth at the Tour of Flanders in 2025 and has also placed inside the top ten at Gent Wevelgem. His palmarès includes victories at Paris Nice and Gran Piemonte.
“I’m incredibly grateful for everything I experienced during six years with Movistar Team,” García Cortina said in a press release by the team. “Those memories will always stay with me. But now it’s time for a new challenge.”
“I didn’t want to finish my career without trying to be part of one of the best teams in the world and compete at the highest level in the races I enjoy the most, the Spring Classics.”
Van Uden and Mihkels strengthen sprinting options
Van Uden arrives from Picnic PostNL after establishing himself as one of the Netherlands’ leading young sprinters. The 25-year-old claimed the biggest victory of his career with a Giro d’Italia stage win in 2025.
He will now join a team with a strong record of developing sprinters and building successful lead out groups.
“I’m really excited to be joining this great team,” Van Uden said. “I think it’s the perfect environment to take the next step in my career and become a more consistent sprinter.”
“The team has built a real sprint culture over the years, and I’m sure that will help me continue to grow as a rider.”
Mihkels will make the move from EF Education EasyPost. The Estonian has already shown his potential in both sprints and demanding one day races, finishing third at the 2024 European Championships.
The 23-year-old believes Alpecin-Premier Tech offers the right platform for the next stage of his development.
“I decided to join Alpecin-Premier Tech because I believe it’s the best place to take the next step in my career,” Mihkels said.
“I’ve dreamed of riding for one of the world’s strongest Classics and sprint teams for almost my entire life, and now that dream has come true. My goal is to win races myself and help the team achieve great things.”
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