Elia Viviani (36) is joining Lotto Cycling Team. The Italian sprinter has signed a one-year contract. “I still want to sprint all-out for every victory, but at the same time, I want to pass on my experience to this young team.”
Just before the start of the classic spring season, another rider is joining Lotto Cycling Team’s 25-man roster: Elia Viviani has signed a one-year contract with the team. “I’m very happy to extend my career with Lotto,” the Italian sprinter says enthusiastically. “First and foremost, I want to keep sprinting for victories, but I also want to share my experience with this young team. I’m ready to take on that role- giving my new teammates tips, whether they are sprinters or not, and helping them grow.”
Elia Viviani boasts an impressive list of achievements. He won Olympic gold in the omnium on the track and became a two-time world champion in the elimination race. He claimed five stage wins and the points classification in the Giro d’Italia, three stage victories in the Vuelta and one in the Tour de France. He also became both Italian and European road race champion. “At 36, I’m still highly motivated. I’m still a sprinter. I want to win. After focusing on the Olympics and track cycling last summer, it wasn’t easy to find a team, as I hadn’t been able to prove myself on the road. But then Stéphane (Heulot, ed.) heard about my situation, and suddenly, the puzzle pieces fell into place. My wife, Elena Cecchini, actually preceded me. She raced for Lotto in 2015 and was absolutely thrilled that I would be riding for the Belgian team (laughs).”
Stéphane Heulot, CEO of Lotto Cycling Team: “I’ve known Elia Viviani for ten years- our paths have crossed at previous teams. That’s why I’m delighted to announce his arrival and welcome him to our team. Elia brings a wealth of experience that he can share with our young riders, and at the same time, I’m convinced he still has an important role to play in the sprints.”
