We are pleased to announce some new faces joining the Astana – Premier Tech from 2021 and beyond. Six young but promising names will wear the colors of the Kazakh-Canadian team with two of them facing their first WorldTour experience.
Samuele Battistella to ride with Astana – Premier Tech in two upcoming seasons:
“I’m super happy to be in this team, since I started cycling Astana was one of the top teams. And now, being here for the next 2 years is something special and amazing! Many big riders have been in this team, so for sure the team has a lot of experience. I think I can learn a lot to become a better rider. Personally, I have no specific goals for the upcoming season. I just want to be in good shape and to give 110% for the team at every race and enjoy being in such an amazing team.”
Stefan De Bod, signed for the seasons 2021 and 2022:
“I am delighted to join Astana – Premier Tech. After two tough seasons as a neo pro, in 2019 I faced some visa issues, as I am from South Africa and then, 2020 with the global pandemic, I am excited to leave that all behind me. I am excited for the opportunity I got and took it with both hands to finally show myself in the world of cycling. The team has amazing riders and works in a professional way, I am looking forward to working with them and learn from the best.”
Andrea Piccolo, joins the WorldTeam for the two upcoming seasons:
“I am more than happy to wear the jersey of this team for the next two seasons. It´s pure happiness for me right now. My goals are first to gain some experience and to learn as much as possible from my teammates, who are also idols for me. It is an honor for me to ride among them and to be in the team. I am looking forward to meeting them all and to become part of the team. I want to support them in the best way possible.”
Ben Perry, who signed a one-year contract:
“First of all, I am incredibly excited to be joining Astana – Premier Tech in 2021. I look forward to competing in the world’s most illustrious races, in a team that has a strong history and culture. I want to make an impression on the team straight away and demonstrate my capabilities as a complete and consistent rider. A significant goal of mine is to prove my worth as a dependable rider in any race on the calendar. I also want to thank everyone who has helped me along my journey; St. Catharines Cycling Club, National Cycling Centre Hamilton, my friends, my family, and all the people who have supported me and cheered me on through the years. I also want thank Astana – Premier Tech for this opportunity.”
Javier Romo, Spanish U23 Road Champion will ride for the Kazakh-Canadian team until 2023:
“I am super happy to now be part of the team. I am very grateful to get this opportunity. The team gives me the chance and I want to work hard to give back the trust the team gives me. I hope I can step up into the WorldTour, helping the team to achieve victories. I am really looking forward to being part of it.”
Matteo Sobrero, signed for one year:
“I am delighted to join Astana – Premier Tech next year. The 2020 season was, beside all the global pandemic and changes on our calendar, still a good one for me, I grew a lot as rider and gained some experience. I am really looking forward to riding among all those great riders and to achieve our goals together with the team. It will be a great chance for growth and to become a better rider.”
