Etixx - Quick-Step Team has announced that Gianluca Brambilla has extended his contract with the team for the next two seasons (2016-2017).

Brambilla, who has already been with the team for three years, has stood out for his skills as a climber in some of the major races on the calendar; he’s also proven to be an important team player. After foregoing the Giro d’Italia due to a fractured clavicle suffered in a fall at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, Brambilla is currently riding in La Vuelta, where, at the end of the first 10 stages, he is in 14th place. 

“I’m very happy for the trust that the team, and Patrick Lefevere, have placed in me,” said Brambilla, who turned 28 just a few days ago. “These three years with the team have been splendid, and full of satisfaction on both a professional and human level. Here I’ve found a great group and a highly professional atmosphere, with a work ethic that I really like. I’ve found my place on this team and I know what they expect from me. The fact that we’ve renewed for another two years signifies that the feeling is mutual. My objective is to continue my process of maturing on a professional level, putting myself at the service of the team and – why not? – if I get the chance, to even try to achieve individual success.”

“Gianluca is a guy who has proven to have great professional and human skills,” said CEO Patrick Lefevere. “Throughout these years he has managed to forge an important role for himself on the team, and he has become a fundamental element to the team in stage races. Gianluca is a consistent athlete who knows how to ride in support of his teammates, but he can also ride his own race and is ready to take on more responsibility when called on to do so. This makes him an important team player whom we hope will also soon be able to achieve the satisfaction of an individual victory with our team jersey.”