Brajkovic joins UnitedHealthcare through 2016

Janez Brajkovic has signed a two-year deal with UnitedHealthcare, the team announced late Wednesday.

Brajkovic, who first turned professional in 2005, has won three stage races during his career, one world title, and one national title. Now 30, he brings a wealth of experience to the U.S.-based Pro Continental team.

“I’m very excited to join the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team. I’m extremely motivated and I know we’ll have great years together,” Brajkovic said in a press release. “I’m ready to lead when appropriate, and also to work for my new team as the race and situation demands it. Teamwork is a very strong component with this program and I’m looking forward to contributing to that.”

The team added that Brajkovic’s goals for 2015 will be competing in weeklong stage races in Europe and the United States, including the Amgen Tour of California, the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, and the USA Pro Challenge.

A strong time trialer, Brajkovic was the 2004 world under-23 champion in the discipline. He also won the 2011 Slovenian national time trial title.

In stage racing, Brajkovic has a trio of victories: the 2007 Tour of Georgia, the 2010 Critérium du Dauphiné, and the 2012 Tour of Slovenia. He finished second and fourth in two stages at the 2006 Vuelta a Espana and held the leader’s jersey for two days.

In 2012, Brajkovic rode to ninth in the Tour de France.

“Jani was looking for a team where he could be a leader and get back to his winning ways, where teamwork is a primary focus. An atmosphere in which the team will rally behind him and one that he can also give back to,” general manager Mike Tamayo said. “We can provide that tight-knit community and level of support to get Jani back to a place where he is winning races. He’s a great fit for the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team, as a rider and a personality.”