Mitchelton-SCOTT has signed young Italian duo Arianna Fidanza and Kevin Colleoni to join their women’s and men’s teams for the next two seasons.
25-year-old Fidanza will join the Australian outfit from Lotto-Soudal and will add youthful talent to the team’s Classics line-up as she continues her progression in the women’s peloton.
The contract of 20-year-old Colleoni, who finished third at this year’s Baby Giro, was acquired by mutual agreement with Androni Giocattoli Sidermac following an impressive and consistent 2020 season.
Arianna Fidanza:
“I am really happy to join this team because it’s for sure a professional team, it was always a dream for me since I started to race with the elite women and I am sure I can improve with this team in the next two years.
“I really like the Classics; I like the weather cold, the rain and the terrain so they are my favourite races. For me it would be a dream to win a Classics race but I also would like to help the team for victories too.”
Martin Vestby – Women’s Sport Director:
“I have seen Arianna race quite a lot in the last couple of years and within the team she is currently, she has stood out a bit to be up there in the mix. She is a fairly young rider but she has had nice progress and her qualities are something we would like to strengthen and develop.
“She is a rider we see will fit well into our Classics team, she is fairly quick and she can do some climbing as well so a bit of an all-rounder in those type of races.
“She will also be a bit of a spark in the team with some young enthusiasm coming in. It’ll be a step up but I expect her to be eager and hungry.”
Kevin Colleoni:
“Stepping up to the WorldTour for me is the dream of a lifetime and I still don’t believe yet.
“I know that Mitchelton-SCOTT is a one of the best teams in the world, with the best pro riders, that until now I could only see on television. I think it is the best choice for my professional and personal growth.
“My goals for the next years are, firstly, to get as much experience as possible, learn from the riders and the all staff of the team and try to improve more and more myself whilst doing the best for the team.”
Matt White – Men’s Head Sport Director:
“Kevin is a guy we have had our eyes on during the season, he is coming up in a group of very talented Italians and his result at the Baby Giro and his consistency are obviously highlights of his credentials of 2020.
“He is young and talented and it’s now our responsibility to continue his development into the seniors ranks. We’re looking forward to working with Kevin for many years to come.”
Arianna Fidanza
Date of Birth: 6 January 1995 (25)
Nationality: Italian
Joins Mitchelton-SCOTT: 2021
New Contract: 2021-2022
– 1st 2019 Tour of Taiyuan
– 6th 2020 GP de Plouay
– 5th 2019 National Championships Road Race – Italy
Kevin Colleoni
Date of Birth: 11 November 1999 (20)
Nationality: Italian
Joins Mitchelton-SCOTT: 2021
New Contract: 2021-2022
– 3rd 2020 Giro Ciclistico d’Italia U23 – Overall
– 2nd 2020 Giro Ciclistico d’Italia U23 – Stage 4 & 7
– 8th 2019 & 9th 2020 Il Piccolo Lombardia
