Peiper and Stephens join UAE Team Emirates

UAE Team Emirates will become a bit more Australian with the Middle Eastern registered outfit adding two veteran sports directors to its technical staff.

Allan Peiper with former BMC charge Richie Porte at the 2017 Santos Tour Down Under. Source: Getty

Soon to be seen in the team cars are ex-pros and longtime sporting directors Allan Peiper who arrives from BMC and Neil Stephens, ex Mitchelton-Scott.

“UAE has ticked all the boxes," Peiper told RIDE Cycling Media. "It’s a very professional outfit and a great environment for riders to develop.

"I’m excited about the prospect of working with a rider like Dan Martin who has become a genuine GC contender in recent years.”

Peiper was a key figure at BMC before its reorganisation as CCC for 2019 after the death of team owner Andy Rihs and subsequent sponsorship issues.

Stephens was a part of the GreenEdge (Mitchelton-Scott) organisation since its formation and was instrumental in crafting many of its successes on the road.

They will join veteran Australian super domestique Rory Sutherland who has already spent one season with the team.