Bardiani CSF has made a new and important signing as they grab one of the most talented Italian U23 riders, Vincenzo Albanese.

Born in 1996 close to Salerno in Campania, he moved to Tuscany with his family at the age of eight and started to ride his bike.

In the current season Albanese is racing for team Hopplà-Petroli Firenze and has been in the spotlight thanks to six wins among which are Trofeo Matteotti, a pro race raced with the Italian team, and GP Liberazione, one of the most important U23 events. He also took one stage at Oberosterreichrundfahrt (another pro race), Trofeo Tempestini, Trofeo Edil C, Circuito Valle del Resco and the silver medal at the Italian road race championships. In 2015, his debut in the U23 ranks with team Mastromarco, he took two wins and he has four wins in the junior category where he also got a call from the Italian team for the Ponferrada Worlds.

Following Marco Maronese, the first signing of the 2017 #GreenTeam, Albanese will become a pro rider in January 2017.

“The chance offered by Bardiani-CSF is unmissable,” explained Albanese, “and I’ve accepted it with enthusiasm. I’m not worried about making the transition into the professional ranks after only two U23 seasons because I know my new team is perfect for a young rider. I’m enjoying a great season and there’s a lot of attention on me. Racing and winning among the pros gave the confidence I needed to manage this situation and to feel ready. I know it won’t be easy. It will be a new challenge, I have to learn and improve, but I’m really motivated. If I’ll have the chance to stand out, I’ll be ready, but my first goal is to work hard."

“Before focusing on 2017, I want to finish this season in the best way. I hope to have new chances with the Italian team for Tour de l’Avenir, for the Qatar Worlds and other pro races. Claiming a win will be the best present I could give Hopplà president Claudio Lastrucci, who supported me a lot,” added Albanese.

“The signing is a big coup for our 2017 squad,” said Bruno Reverberi. “He showed to be a consistent rider so far, but we’re not really surprised. We have been following his growth for many years and we were just waiting for the right moment to offer him a contract. He has a great potential, but he needs to be supported and guided. Sometimes expectations could be a burden and an obstacle - our goal is to ensure him a step-by-step development."