Elia Viviani signs one-year contract at Lotto 🇮🇹
The Italian rider was on the market after leaving Ineos Grenadiers at the end of 2024
Hi everyone,
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I’m heading to the start of stage 2 in a couple of hours, but here’s a brief (and free) story following the confirmation this morning that Elia Viviani has joined Lotto on a one-year deal.
I still need to write several stories from stage 1, including those about John Degenkolb, Callum Thornley, Tom Steels, Matteo Tosatto, and Tiesj Benoot. The aim is to produce two more exclusive pieces by the end of today. It’s the first proper uphill finish as we head to Alto da Foia, so I’m expecting fireworks from the likes of Primož Roglič and Jonas Vingegaard today.
Thanks
Daniel
Elia Viviani has signed a one-year deal with Lotto for 2025, with the 36-year-old continuing his road career after it all appeared lost during the winter.
The veteran remained active throughout the last few months, racing for Italy on the track and participating in the Al Salam Championship, where he finished 11th. After talking with several teams over the winter, Viviani has landed at Belgian squad Lotto, where he will undoubtedly get a decent race programme and the chance to prolong his career.
"I still want to sprint all-out for every victory, but at the same time, I want to pass on my experience to this young team,” he said in a press release issued by the Belgian team on Thursday morning.
Viviani spent the last three seasons with Ineos Grenadiers but did not receive a contract extension at the end of 2024. He focused primarily on the track for the Olympic Games last year and, despite securing several top-ten finishes, he did not win a single road race.
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A winner of nine Grand Tour stages and three Olympic medals, Viviani will give Lotto a new option in the sprints, while Arnaud De Lie remains the team’s main focal point.
"I’ve known Elia Viviani for ten years- our paths have crossed at previous teams. That’s why I’m delighted to announce his arrival and welcome him to our team. Elia brings a wealth of experience that he can share with our young riders, and at the same time, I’m convinced he still has an important role to play in the sprints,” said Stéphane Heulot, the CEO of Lotto.
This isn’t the first time Viviani has raced for a Belgian outfit. He was part of Patrick Lefevere’s QuickStep team from 2018 to 2019, during which he enjoyed his best years on the road, before a disappointing spell at Cofidis. He spent six years at Team Sky/Ineos and has accumulated 89 career wins on the road in a long and distinguished career.
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"At 36, I’m still highly motivated. I’m still a sprinter. I want to win. After focusing on the Olympics and track cycling last summer, it wasn’t easy to find a team, as I hadn’t been able to prove myself on the road. But then Stéphane heard about my situation, and suddenly, the puzzle pieces fell into place. My wife, Elena Cecchini, actually preceded me. She raced for Lotto in 2015 and was absolutely thrilled that I would be riding for the Belgian team."
It’s unclear when Viviani will debut in Lotto colours, but we’ll contact the team for an interview later today.
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