Antwan Tolhoek takes a step back but looks to take two steps forward with Portuguese continental team - "We can achieve a lot"

Portuguese team Sabgal - Anicolor has been reinforcing itself with some international talent and a few World Tour riders. Perhaps the most surprising transfers is that of Antwan Tolhoek from Lidl-Trek, who leaves the Word Tour in search of new motivation and opportunities.

"I am happy and grateful to Sabgal. Rúben and Carlos Pereira give me the opportunity to rediscover myself and rediscover my passion for cycling, after two difficult years due to falls and injuries that took me a long time to recover from," the Dutchman said in a recent interview. The 29-year old has already spent time in Portugal with his new team. Not only him, but fellow World Tour pro André Carvalho will join him; and in a move to go more international, the team has also signed Briton Oliver Rees and Dane Mathias Bregnhoj.  

This year was not the case, he struggled with form, but in the past the Dutchman has proven his worth as a climber. His sole pro win is in fact at World Tour level, a mountain stage at the Tour de Suisse. He's also had top results in presitigious events such as the Tour of Guangxi or Vuelta a Andalucia. After not being able to return to his old self, Tolhoek searched new motivation and opportunities with a team where he'll have more freedom.

"I believe that with this team, with the mentality and objectives we have, we can achieve a lot. As a team I hope that we can achieve the necessary successes and I also hope to be able to prove myself as an asset," he concluded.