Simone Antonini will be part of Wanty-Groupe Gobert in 2017. For the 25-year-old Italian it will be his third year in Jean-François Bourlart’s team where he started his pro career in 2015.
“I am happy with the confidence they have in me. In this team I can continue to develop myself as a rider," Antonini says about his new contract. "We have a fantastic race program with wildcards for all major WorldTour Spring classics. All races between Omloop and Paris-Roubaix suit me well."
The Italian Simone Antonini started the season well. Unfortunately he sustained a hand fracture in Gent-Wevelgem.
"After the injury it was not easy to come back to my level but I worked a lot for the team."
As last year the Italian showed a great tenacity. He finished 55 of the 58 race days he did for Wanty-Groupe Gobert this season.
"I don't like giving up. I can't stand coming to a race not being ready. This is a question of respect for the team that gives the opportunity of participating in the big races. I crashed twice and in the Tour of Norway I had an inflammation in the leg."
Next year Simone Antonini will ride without the support of his Italian teammates Enrico Gasparotto and Marco Marcato who are leaving the team.
"I feel a bit sad. We lose two big riders. They are very proessional riders. They helped the team and the young riders growing up."
Current team or 2017: Simone Antonini, Jérôme Baugnies, Thomas Degand, Kenny Dehaes, Tom Devriendt, Fabien Doubey, Wesley Kreder, Guillaume Levarlet, Guillaume Martin, Mark McNally, Xandro Meurisse, Robin Stenuit, Guillaume Van Keirsbulck, Kevin Van Melsen.
Roman FERRERO 34 years | today |
Steven DE JONGH 51 years | today |
Erjon BUZI 40 years | today |
Steve MURILLO 38 years | today |
Simon ZUPANCIC 38 years | today |
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