Max Richeze has rejoined UAE Team Emirates on a contract that expires at the end of the Giro d'Italia in May.The Argentine's world tour career appeared to be over when his contract was not renewed at the end of 2021, but an injury to new signing Alvaro Hodeg Team Emirates approached Richeze about a short-term contract.

"It was an easy decision for me and I am looking forward to wearing my racing number again," Richeze said in a statement released by UAE Team Emirates on Tuesday.

UAE Team Emirates first signed Richeze at the start of the 2020 season, using him as lead-out man for Fernando Gaviria. Richeze ran the Giro a in his first two seasons with UAE Team Emirates, but Gaviria struggled for form in two campaigns after testing positive twice for COVID-19 in 2020.

In 2022, UAE Team Emirates signed Pascal Ackermann as the team's lead sprinter, but Gaviria will remain with the team. Ackermann has indicated that he will compete in the Vuelta a España this season, but Gaviria's Grand Tour plans have not yet been finalized.

"I am happy to be able to come back and help the team, which has already had two great years. I am grateful for the opportunity [Mauro [Gianetti] has given me. I think it's only fitting that I finish my career here."

Richetts, who turned pro in 2006, started as a sprinter and won two stages in the 2007 Giro when Alessandro Petacchi was stripped of his results, but eventually moved into a lead-out role, working in the Lampre and Quick Step before joining UAE he moved to Team Emirates.

The 38-year-old was set to race for the Argentine Continental team "Chimas Te Quiero" in 2022, but according to an interview with "Ciclismo Internacional" he still races one more season at the World Tour level He left open the possibility of receiving an offer.

Richez's chance to rejoin UAE Team Emirates came when it became clear that Hodeg, who joined from Quick Step, would miss the opening months of the 2022 season due to wrist and ankle injuries.

"Hodeg's absence leaves us with a gap to fill and Richez is the right man for the role," said team manager Mauro Gianetti. He already knows the atmosphere and structure of the team, and in that respect he needs no introduction." He already knows the atmosphere and structure of the team, and in that respect he needs no introduction. He's in really good shape, as evidenced by his recent performance in his home race in Argentina. I know Max is really happy about it.

"At the same time, I wish Alvaro a good recovery. It was a serious injury, but I am confident that he will recover strongly to his previous high level later this year.