After his Pro Continental team Nippo-Vini Fantini were awarded a wild card for Amstel Gold Race, Damiano Cunego, who won the event in 2008, has spoken of his intention to shine on the climbs of the Limburg region once more in 2015.

"I'm really happy for this opportunity for me and the team which is very close to my peak condition for the year," said Cunego. "This year I will take part in two races, Limburg Classic and the Amstel Gold Race. I will approach this period at my best, because they are races I have in my heart."

Cunego was one of the best one-day riders Italy has seen for a ling time, but his success has been decreasing over the last few years, along with Italian cycling. “The Little Prince” is now 33 and is the last Italian to win a Monument (the 2008 Giro di Lombardia).