Having been known as the bodyguard for Cadel Evans in 2014, Steve Morabito is ready for new challenges in 2015. FDJ have confirmed that they have signed the Swiss climber as a key support rider for Thibaut Pinot in the Tour de France.
For several days, it has been rumoured that Steve Morabito would sign a contract with FDJ.fr. On Wednesday, the 31-year-old Swiss rider officially signed his new contract and he is expected to support Thibaut Pinot in the mountains.
Morabito explained his decision in an interview with La Nouvelliste.
"I had two options to either become a leader in a smaller team or I could continue to put myself at the service of a big leader. In the Giro, I had already been approached by a few WorldTour teams but I was still not sure that I would leave BMC. From the moment I knew that Cadel Evans will retire in January, I started to look for a new team since I never really found my place in the group around Tejay van Garderen.
"At this point, IAM had expressed interest in me via their boss Michel Thetaz. Meanwhile, FDJ had also contacted me. Initially, I was quite tempted by the IAM experience. I had already had contacts with the Swiss team when they were launched. But there was no specific role for me. They rely heavily on Mathias Frank in stage races and IAM don't necessarily need a rider with my profile. Furthermore, IAM has no guaranteed future beyond 2015 and their first three years.
"FDJ have a real project with me. Marc Madiot wanted me to surround Thibault Pinot and to be his lieutenant in stage races. They also looked for an experienced rider to support young people. It's nice to be praised for these qualities. I know it is a role where I can do well.
"I'm not sure I'd like to be a leader throughout the year. I'm not sure I would be able to cope with the pressure. I still have some freedoms in some races, probably more than at BMC."
30.03: The Bueng Si Fai |
30.03: Gran Premio Miguel Indurain |
30.03: Volta Limburg Classic |
31.03: Ronde van Vlaanderen |
31.03: Ronde van Vlaanderen |
29.03 - 01.04: Ster van Zuid Limburg |
01.04: Gran Premio del Perdono |
01.04: Ronde de Mouscron |
01.04: Giro del Belvedere |
02.04: G.P. Palio del Recioto |
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