Astana Pro Team have announced the signing of a 2-year contract with young Italian rider Riccardo Minali.

In his career, Minali has won the Trofeo Comune di Vertova (2013, 2012), celebrated victory on Circuito del Porto - Trofeo Arvedi (2015) and finished on the podium in the 3rd stage of Tour of Istria - Memorial Edi Rajkovic  (2013) and Coppa dei Laghi - Trofeo Almar  (2016).

In the new season, the  21-year-old Italian neo-pro will start his professional career with Astana Pro Team.

"I'm really honored about the fact that a great World Tour Team as the Astana Pro Team hired me! It is for me a dream that comes true! Now I have to end this season as Under23 with some important races like probably the World Championship in Qatar, but I'm looking forward to starting the new season defending the colors of the Astana Pro Team and to demonstrating that the Team is well founded," commented the Italian.

General Manager of Astana Pro Team Alexandr Vinokurov also commented on the engagement of the young rider:

“He has a good finish and I think he can grow with our team. At the beginning of the season we will try him in races like Tour of Langkawi, and, as he will grow, he will help our Oscar Gatto. Late, I hope, he will be able to fight with the best sprinters”.