More transfers have been announced ahead of the 2010 season. Juan José Cobo moves from Fuji-Servetto to Caisse d’Epargne, Gerben Löwik from Vacansoleil to Omega Pharma-Lotto and Lampre hired Alessandro Spezialetti and Lorenzo Bernucci from the LPR team.
Cobo’s move will fill the gap left by Moreno, who is going to Omega Pharma-Lotto. Cobo is a strong rider in his own right, who won the Tour of the Basque Country in 2007 and a stage in this year’s Vuelta a España. However, his main role will likely be as a domestique for Alejandro Valverde. Cobo’s contract is for one year, according to Sporza.
Löwik was already rumored to have signed for Omega Pharma-Lotto, but it is now official, according to NuSport. “First, there were quite a few things to do, such as the medical tests. My biological passport is also being checked,” Löwik said.
He partially left Vacansoleil because he wasn’t guaranteed a spot in the 2010 lineup. Four riders were fighting for two spots. Löwik was surprised that manager Daan Luijkx spoke very little to him. “A few weeks ago I was told that I can stay but then I was already looking for another employer. I am glad I did, I am not going to let this chance slip by.”
Löwik eyes the Classics. “This is where I can score. I know that I can cope riding in a strong team. My goal is to stay with the captains in the finale. I think I am the right man for that.”
Löwik hasn’t made a plan for most of the year with his new team yet. “Let’s first ride a nice Classics season – I can’t wait for that.”
Lampre is making no bones about taking over LPR. Lampre already hired Alessandro Petacchi, Daniele Pietropolli and now added Spezialetti and Bernucci. To top it of, LPR’s co-sponsor, Farnese Vini, signed on for Lampre for next season, according to cyclismag . Farnese Vini was going to continue its sponsorship with LPR, but changed its mind after the positive test case of Gabriele Bosisio.
Bernucci was one of the riders launching the sprint for Petacchi at LPR. When Cunego won the 2004 Giro d’Italia, Spezialetti was on the winning Saeco team.