After spending the first two years of his professional career with UAE Team Emirates, Jasper Philipsen (open in new tab) will be down to the pro team level in 2021, joining Alpecin Phoenix (open in new tab) on a two-year contract.

A sprinter and classic rider, Philipsen has been touted as a top talent since his junior days and had an impressive U23 season with the Hagens Berman Axion team.

Still only 22, he has won two stages in the 2019 Tour Down Under and this year's Tour du Limousin since joining UAE Team Emirates and has many other race finishes to his credit.

"I am very excited about this new chapter and opportunity in my career," said Philipsen. [The team has already developed a great project. They are ambitious, forward-thinking in terms of performance, and the whole framework is very professional."

"These are the decisive factors in choosing the Alpecin Phoenix project. Together with the team, I am confident that I will be able to fully develop my potential and reach my highest level as an individual. I hope that together we will achieve much success as a result of this."

The signing of Philipsen further strengthens Alpecin Phoenix's road racing arsenal.

Originally a cyclo-cross-centric team, the Dutch team run by Philippe and Christophe Roudoft will step up to a professional team in 2020, earning invitations to bigger races thanks to the presence of Mathieu van der Poel.

Philipsen will team up with van der Poel on the Classics stage, which also offers a bunch sprint option.

"We have an absolute leader in Mathieu van der Poel, but we are always trying to strengthen the whole team. In the past we have acquired players like Tim Merlier and we plan to acquire Jasper again," Alpecin Phoenix management said in a statement.

"The fact that we have already won races with seven riders is proof that our team is getting stronger. With this philosophy in mind, we were looking for another fast rider and a co-leader for the Classic. With the acquisition of Yasper Philipsen, we believe we can make two into one. Together with Yasper we are confident that we can create a beautiful story."