Deal confirmed two days after sprinter took second on opening stage of Giro d’Italia
Winner of stages in the Tours of Beijing and San Luis last season and runner-up on day one of the year’s Giro d’Italia, Elia Viviani has received the boost of a two year contract extension from the Cannondale Pro Cycling team. The Italian sprinter will continue with the team he joined in 2010, extending his current agreement until the end of 2015.
“I’m more than ever satisfied about this renewal and for the conviction that the team showed to sign me,” he explained. “This is a tight-knit group, as only few others are, but above all it is a team that doesn’t look just to results to make their choices. I’m glad that what I have done until now was taken into account and also that I have the will to hone my skills. I think this is already happening at the Giro.”
The team said that it was pleased with the outcome of talks. “We’re really happy with this agreement,” said team manager Roberto Amadio. “We have a lot confidence in Viviani and in his growth potential. His skills on the road and the track are an added value compared to other riders. We’re sure he has the potential to become one of the best sprinters in the peloton.”
However while he believes a lot in his capabilities, he feels that things should be steady and measured. “At the same time we think Elia is a talent to grow steadily and without pressure,” he continued. “Experience shows us to be right: we’ll support him in the best way possible so he can compete at the highest level.”
Now 24 years of age, Viviani said that he has a long history within the team’s ranks and has landed eighteen wins in that time. He is pleased to extend further. “I have been working with this team since I was 17 and not yet a professional rider: to continue with these coaches is what I wanted.
“There won’t be problem of coexistence with Sagan because there are many races to target. My aim is to win important races, from the stages to the Classics, and I’m happy to go after that wearing the jersey of Cannondale Pro Cycling.”