The 24-year-old versatile Italian signs with the team on a two-year deal.
A strong rider in nearly all conditions, Davide Ballerini showed early signs of a promising career with top 10 places at both the Piccolo Lombardia and U23 Ronde van Vlaanderen, before turning professional in 2017, when he immediately took first place in the Tirreno–Adriatico Mountains Classification, followed one year later by victories at the Memorial Marco Pantani and Trofeo Matteotti.
His quality was on display also earlier this season, when he captured the KOM jersey in another World Tour event, the Tour of California, as well as taking the win in the road race at the European Games held in Minsk. In addition to this, Ballerini has had some strong placings in bunch sprints, as well as several very impressive showings in the cobbled classics.
Davide’s love for the one-day races and enthusiasm to ride them was evident when he said: “For me, joining this team is a dream. When I spoke to Deceuninck – Quick-Step and heard that they wanted me to ride for them it was special, because when I was younger the first time I watched Lombardia it was when Paolo Bettini won it for Quick-Step, and I said to myself “Ok, now I go on my bike and I want to ride for that team!”
“Now my dream has come true and I am very, very happy. I am in a good place in my career, where I am trying to become a champion but I am still learning and building, which I think I can do with this extraordinary team. I am looking forward to building with them and learning more about being part of a great squad and how we can be successful together.”
“It is great to have captured another hungry talent in Davide Ballerini. He is very enthusiastic and eager to learn, which is important, and he will work very hard for the team. We have seen how strong he is already and the versatility he possesses, and I hope we can help him grow even further. He is talented enough and has the right attitude to become a very important part of the Wolfpack”, said Deceuninck – Quick-Step CEO Patrick Lefevere.
Photo credit: ©Sigfrid Eggers