German IT supplier NetApp will be the primary sponsor of a new road cycling team based in Germany. The company has signed a two-year agreement, which will see it take naming rights to the team.

According to the company the team will be "positioned as a Continental team for young European talents and talented cyclists." The aim is to create the foundations for a professional cycling team within four years.

The project is being led by two former Tour de France professionals, Jens Heppner and Enrico Poitschke, who will train the team. Overall management of the team will be in the hands of former cyclist-turned-team manager Ralph Denk. Initially a group of young German cyclists will be sought.

A statement from NetApp added that the team "is busy acquiring new sponsors, outfitters and cyclists."