After reaching an agreement with time trial phenomenon Tony Martin, who was earlier today crowned new world time trial champion, Team QuickStep earlier today announced that it has signed American rider Levi Leipheimer for the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

38-year-old Leipheimer is one of the most victorious athletes on the cycling scene. His success includes victories in the Tour de Suisse, the Tour of Utah and the USA Pro Cycling Challenge. He has also made a strong impression in other important races such as the Tour de France, the Paris-Nice and the Tour of California. Throughout his career Leipheimer has collected a total of more than forty victories.

"Levi's arrival will contribute to making our team one of the most competitive for the stage races," Team QuickStep manager Patrick Lefevere commented and added "Levi is a complete athlete who can hold his own in any type of terrain. With Martin, Grabsch, Rabon, Peter Velits and Chavanel they'll make up a solid block of athletes capable of great performances against the clock, but also can hang on with the best on a hilly terrain."

"Levi will also be an important contribution to the visibility of our sponsors and team in the USA. He's a highly experienced rider who still has a lot of ambition to race and win," Lefevre added.