Experienced and valuable lead-out man Fabio Sabatini extends contract by two years.
One of the most versatile riders of the peloton, who has shown his talent on countless occasions on the track and road, and at times even on the cobbles, Elia Viviani will join Quick-Step Floors as of January 1, 2018. Winner of 45 races since turning pro seven years ago, Elia is also the reigning Olympic Omnium Champion and a five-time gold medalist at the European Track Championships, all results which serve as further confirmation of his extraordinary versatility.
Viviani, one of the most decorated Italian riders in the peloton, didn't hide his delight at having signed a contract that will see him sport the colors of the current World Tour leader for the next two years: "Quick-Step Floors is the best choice I could make. When Patrick Lefevere came with this offer, I just couldn't say no to one of the biggest teams in the world. I am honoured to join a squad with such a fantastic pedigree, one that has excelled in the art of sprinting over time. I couldn't be happier about this transfer, so that's why I want to thank Patrick and the entire team for this chance and their trust."
"I also want to thank Team Sky for the three years spent together and the great memories, but now the time has come to take on a new challenge. This is the right step in my career, because I'm confident it can help me progress. I am 28 now and I really want to find out next season what I can do in an outfit which gives me opportunities. I'm also excited about being on the same team with Fernando Gaviria, one of the fastest riders in the peloton, who I got to know from the events we raced together as opponents in the past two seasons", concluded Viviani, the third new name unveiled by our squad ahead of next year, following the announcements of neo-pro Jhonathan Narvaez and Florian Sénéchal.
At Quick-Step Floors, Elia Viviani will reunite with former teammate Fabio Sabatini, who's been a part of our set-up since 2015. One of the peloton's most experienced riders, a 12-year pro with 17 Grand Tour participations to his name, Sabatini has been a trusted lead-out man for some of the peloton's biggest sprinters over the years, catapulting them to many wins.
That's why it doesn't come as a surprise that the 32-year-old has been rewarded for his services and loyalty with a new contract, which will run until the end of 2019: "I am happy Elia joined the team, it will be really great to work together with him again. When Patrick talked with me and explained this new project, I was enthusiastic. Both Patrick and the team showed how much they believe in me, so it was only natural to extend my contract and continue helping this great squad!"
"We have followed Elia's career for a long time and now we are happy to welcome him to the team. He is a proven winner, a rider who has an impressive palmares and an equally impressive set of skills, and I'm convinced he will fit perfectly in our team with his mentality and winning attitude", Patrick Lefevere, Quick-Step Floors' CEO, said.
"Having signed one of the peloton's fast finishers means we'll offer him the services of one of the best lead-out men out there, and that's what Fabio Sabatini is. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience, which you could see on display on numerous occasions in these past years, as he has helped our sprinters take memorable victories and forge a remarkable palmares", Lefevere concluded.
Photo credit: ©Tim De Waele
