Lodewyck, 27, was a member of the BMC Racing Team roster in 2015 until a medical issue forced him to retire in August.

“The opportunity for us to bring him to the team, in a Sport Director capacity for BMC Development Team was a great opportunity, not only for him, but also for us. We are very happy to see Klaas make this transition, whilst still remaining within the BMC family” said Ochowicz.

The new role is a fresh start in cycling, said Lodewyck.

“After all the problems I had last year, it’s a new opportunity and a new chance so I’m really happy. I had to stop (cycling) now, so young at only 27. For me, there are still some dreams that I would love to reach that are not possible anymore. So I want to help the young guys, help them develop as well as possible and help them to reach their dreams.”

BMC Development Team Manager Jens Blatter welcomed Lodewyck into the team.

“I’m proud to work with our Development Team, made up of talented riders from all over the world. I’m very happy that the team management found a young and motivated Sport Director in Klaas Lodewyck and I’m sure he will be the right person to join BMC Development Team”.

BMC Development Team’s 2016 roster will comprise 16 riders from seven countries, including ten new signings for the season.

In keeping with BMC Racing Team policy, no other terms or conditions of the contract were released.

Riders continuing from 2015: Eisenhart, Taylor (USA), Kilian Frankiny (SUI), Müller, Patrick (SUI), Spengler, Lukas (SUI), Tietema, Bas (NDL), Van Hooydonck, Nathan (BEL).

New riders from 2016: Appelt, Leo (GER), Dobbs, Sam (NZL), Eenkhoorn, Pascal (NDL), Lienhard, Fabian (SUI), Mostov, Ezekiel (USA), Spengler, Mario (SUI), Schäppi, Martin (SUI), Sivakov, Pavel (RUS/FRA), Swirbul, Keegan (USA), Welten, Bram (NDL).