Etixx-QuickStep sports director Davide Bramati was named best Italian sports director at an award show in Italy. The Italian used the opportunity to reflect on the 2016 season for his Belgian team where he has spent the last 10 years.

"It was a good season," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport before pointing to the win at World TTT Championships as the highlight. The big disappointment was the lack of a classics victory.

The big surprise was Gianluca Brambilla.

"He has grown so much,” he said, without putting limits to future possibilities. "He has been with us for three years and has always improved. We do not know his limits." 

The growth of Bob Jungels was a nice confirmation.

“The white jersey in the Giro allowed him to achieve his goal. With the 6th place, he has proved to be a talent. Now, make no mistake, you'll often see him fighting for the win although heneeds to improve on the great climbs." 

There is also praise for rising star Fernando Gaviria.

"By now everyone knows him and knows that he is a phenomenon . He was in contention in San Remo and the Worlds but crashed both times. It was bad luck,” Bramati said.

Despite some ups and downs, Marcel Kittel also showed himself in his first season with Etixx-QuickStep.

 "Marcel has successfully adapted to the team,” Bramati said, adding that it has to be decided whether to continue to focus on sprints or evolve into a classics rider. "We will hear what he wants to do, what ideas he has. But I see him going very well."

Next year Bramati will have to say goodbye to Tom Boonen.

“The years go for everyone. I wish that his career will end with the icing on the cake on the cobblestones,” said Bramati who is convinced that the future of the team looks bright. “There are so many young people growing up.” The plan is to focus on Gaviria "but it will not be easy.

An important reinforcement is the appointment of Philippe Gilbert.

"He may still have much to give , especially with his experience alongside the young people. But let us remember that we also have Alaphilippe and Martin who aim to win in the Ardennes," he concluded.