18-year-old Joonas Puuraid signed a one-year contract with the German continental team Bike Aid. This year, Puuraid raced for the Belgian junior team Flanders U19 Academy. He won the opening stage of the Acht van Bladel cycling tour in the Netherlands (3rd place overall) and the one-day race Druivenkoers-Overijse.
"I am proud to announce that I will be racing for Bike Aid next year. It will be my first year as a U23 rider, and I will be competing against the big guys. I see this as a new level and a challenge that I want to conquer. Together with Team Bike Aid, I want to make next year memorable," said Puuraid. "I consider myself a classics rider, but I actually enjoy racing where I can attack and be active the most. Next year, I want to learn a lot, gain experience, and enjoy cycling. I am sure we will have fun."
In the past season, Bike Aid had 16 riders in its roster. For next year, a contract has also been signed with Frenchman Victor Vidal. This year, the team achieved six victories, most of which came from Asia.
