The roster is completed by Lorenzo Fortunato, Francesco Gavazzi and Luca Wackermann
The squad with which the EOLO-KOMETA Cycling Team will face its first season in the ProTeam category in 2021 is definitively closed with the additions of Italian riders Lorenzo Fortunato, Francesco Gavazzi and Luca Wackermann.
Fortunato (1996) comes from the Vini Zabu-KTM, a structure with which he has been linked for the last two seasons, although in previous campaigns he had enjoyed a couple of experiences as a stagiaire: in 2016 he had the opportunity to ride some races with the Tinkoff, while a year later he did so with the Bardiani-CSF.
“I think I have grown a lot in these last two years with the structure of the Vini Zabu. I am a cyclist who climbs well and defends himself in the stage races, but I still have a lot of room to grow and I am confident that I can do so in this beautiful project. And personally I also hope to have the opportunity to compete more in Spain”, tells.
Gavazzi (1984) is one of the most experienced riders in the category, with fifteen seasons in which he has competed in both WorldTour and ContiPro formations. The cyclist from Morbegno lands in this project after five seasons in the Androni Giocattoli. His list of achievements includes stage wins in the Tour of Spain (2011), the Itzulia (2010, 2011) and the Volta a Portugal (2011, 2016).
“This year I have competed little. It has been a very strange year for the COVID. In mid-September Ivan spoke to me and showed me his interest in me joining this project regardless of my age. He believes that I still have a lot to give and that in these fourteen racing seasons I have shown it. Ivan wants me to bring my experience to the young people, that we all fight for results. Personally, it is a real pleasure for me. This recognition by the project is very stimulating. It is a very balanced team. There is a lot of experience, young riders with a lot of quality who can grow even more, there is a lot of talent. Cycling also needs patience and with this combination of experience and youth it is possible”, says.
Wackermann (1992) won this season’s overall final and one stage of the French Tour du Limousin and finished fifth in the second stage of the 2020 Giro d’Italia, which ended in Agrigento. The Lombard finished sixth in a major mountain race such as the Romanian Sibiu Tour and has been involved in the finishes of the Tour of San Juan, the Tour of Antalya and the Settimana Coppi e Bartali.
“I have known Ivan Basso for a long time. Already at the last Tirreno-Adriatic we talked a little about the project he was working on and at the Giro that opportunity opened up in a more definitive way. Obviously it was an immediate yes. It is a dream come true to be able to work for Ivan and Alberto Contador. I’m really happy, excited, and I can’t wait to get started”, explains.
(automatic translation, sorry for mistakes)
