Polish climber to play pivotal role for the team in the mountains
Polish rider Przemyslaw Niemiec will join the Lampre-Farnese Vini team in 2011. The climber, who turned professional in 2002, has won 11 races so far. He will receive a one-year contract. Besides his wins he tends to mix it up with the climbers, the reason why team manager Giuseppe Saronni wants to hire him.
Saronni has kept Niemiec in his sight. “Every time we did a race where Niemiec also was at the start, we were astonished by the ease with which the Polish rider tackled the climbs,” Saronni said. “Przemyslaw is an outstanding climber and has won several KOM prizes.” Saronni is happy to add such power to his team. “We wanted to give him the chance to test himself in even higher level races than he has done so far and we believe he can leave a good impression.”
Of course there are some expectations to the 30-year-old as well. “We would like for Niemiec to repay us for the opportunity that we give him, thanks to his qualities.” Niemiec is not only expected to bring home KOM prizes. “Knowing the guy, we are certain that he will also work for the captains, so he will have a very important role in the team.”
Niemiec himself was quite happy with the opportunity. “Joining Lampre-Farnese Vini means reaching the top level of the cycling world – I can only be happy,” Niemiec said. “I know that I have to give my best for this opportunity.”
Niemiec started his career with Amore & Vita – Beretta eight years ago. In 2004, he joined the Miche team, with which he remained until now. He has raced only in the Continental races, but never gave up hope. “I’ve always dreamt to compete in the top races, against top climbers on the most important mountains, so I want to give everything for my new team”.
So far his victories include the Pavullo stage in this year’s Coppi e Bartali stage race, the Torri del Benaco stage in the Giro del Trentino last year, as well final overall classifications in the 2009 Route du Sud and the 2005 Giro di Slovenia.