"For me, it’s a big surprise, and for everyone else, it’s a bigger surprise" - Shane Archbold will become DS at BORA - hansgrohe

Including layovers, Shane Archbold’s transition from BORA - hansgrohe rider to the team's sports director should take about sixteen hours. After bringing the curtain down on his racing career at the Tour of Guangxi on Tuesday, the New Zealander will report for duty in his new role in Germany on Wednesday evening.

"Tomorrow I’m flying straight from China to Munich for the team meeting, and straight into the new role," Archbold told Cyclingnews after signing on for his career's final race. 

"I’ll get on the flight with the boys as a rider and get off as a DS. It’s going to be a bit strange, but that’s how the team see it. They wanted me to stay calm and stay as a rider until now, and then start into the role."

"For me, it’s a big surprise, and for everyone else, it’s a bigger surprise," Archbold said. "I don't think anyone would have expected it, but Ralph has an idea and it’s something I'm willing to try and see how we go, to try to progress the young riders on the team for the future."