Enrico Gasparotto has been confirmed to be part of the new established team BAHRAIN MERIDA Pro Cycling Team in their first season.

Enrico Gasparotto, 34, turned professional in 2005. He achieved his first Classics victory at the 2012 Amstel Gold Race. He has proved in his long career that he is a specialist for the Ardennes races. On the famous Belgium roads, Gasparotto took a second Amstel Gold triumph in 2016 when he was standing on the top of the podium after four years. His achievements in 2016 also include second place at Brabantse Pijl, fifth at La Fleche Wallonne and sixth overall at the Tour of Belgium.

After signing with BAHRAIN MERIDA Pro Cycling Team, Gasparotto said:

“First I am happy to have signed with this new project. In the last two years I have learned a lot and for that reason I want to thank my recent team. If I think about the future, I am really happy to be back with a group of people that I already know and next year will be my fifth year together with Nibali and even more with his staff. I am happy to be a part of a big project and I hope to be an important person to grow up the project in the next years.”

General Manager of Team Bahrain-Merida Brent Copeland added:

"We are all very pleased to have Enrico on the team. I have worked with him in the past and I know his capabilities, he is a true professional who will bring a wealth of experience to the team, both on and off the bike. Enrico has always had a huge will to win and we will give him the space he deserves to be one of the most important riders on the team roster. We saw this year what Enrico is capable of doing and we are sure he has just as much hunger for success in the future with us.”