Team Giant-Alpecin today announced Tom Dumoulin has extended his contract with the team until the end of 2016.

From January 2015, shampoo company Alpecin will replace Shimano as team sponsor and Team Giant-Shimano will be renamed Team Giant-Alpecin. Alpecin's sponsorship of the ProTour team means a German company will be title sponsor of a road cycling team represented in cycling's highest tier for the first time in five years.

John Degenkolb has been hospitalized in Germany to treat the injuries caused by a crash in the beginning of this year's Vuelta a Espana. Hospital admission means Degenkolb won't be able to take part in the 2014 World Championships in Spain.

John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) has taken his fourth stage of this year’s Vuelta a Espana.

Germany's John Degenkolb takes fourth stage victory in Vuelta a Espana 2014; Alberto Contador keeps general classification lead.

John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) has won his third stage of this year’s Vuelta a Espana.

Germany's John Degenkolb sprints to victory in stage 12 of Vuelta a Espana 12; Alberto Contador maintains overall Vuelta a Espana lead before tomorrow's stage 13.

John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) has won his second consecutive stage of the Vuelta a Espana.

Germany's John Degenkolb doubles up by winning stage 5 of Vuelta a Espana 2014; Michael Matthews remains general classification leader.

John Degenkolb (Giant-Shimano) has won Stage 4 of the Vuelta a Espana.