Giro d’Italia stage winner Davide Formolo has re-signed with Cannondale Drapac Professional Cycling Team. The 23-year-old Italian said believes the American registered squad offers the best environment for his development.

“I have a really good feeling with this team,” said Formolo. “I like the atmosphere, and I really like my colleagues. Riding my bike for Cannondale-Drapac makes me happy and helps me improve.”

Formolo recently finished fourth overall at Tour de Pologne following a gutsy ride to second place on the race’s queen stage. He worked for Rigoberto Uran at the 2016 Giro d’Italia, the race where he had achieved his most important victory to date the previous year. Formolo’s posted top ten finishes in stages at Volta a Valenciana and Volta a Catalunya but says he’s biggest goal of the season is still to come.

“My main objective this season is the Vuelta a España,” he said. “We have a strong team. I have a lot of chances still the rest of this year, and I’m 100 percent focused on these opportunities. It’s too early to talk about next year.” 

While Formolo might not be ready to talk beyond this season, sport director Charly Wegelius is eager to see what the future holds for one of Cannondale-Drapac’s youngest riders.

“Davide, apart from his unquestionable talent, is a highly motivated and hard working athlete,” said Wegelius. “Working with him is rewarding and a pleasure for everyone in the team.”

“The renewal of his contract gives us the chance to continue to build on the work we have done together over the last two years,” Wegelius added. “It’s going to be exciting to see where the road will lead us next.” 

Slipstreams Sports CEO Jonathan Vaughters pointed to another admirable attribute when discussing the returning rider. 

“I love his strong character,” Vaughters said. “He’s as stubborn as a rock. That’s how he earned the nickname ‘Roccia’.”

Formolo’s contract is the third extension Cannondale-Drapac has announced over the past month. Americans Andrew Talansky and Joe Dombrowski have also extended with the team.