CCC Sprandi Polkowice continues to strengthen the team for the upcoming season. The team has reached an agreement with Simone Ponzi, who has signed a 2-year deal.
The 27-year old Italian has spent 2015 season with Southeast and claimed as many as fifteen top 10 places. The last few races of the year were particularly successful for him since he took 2nd in the UCI WorldTour event, GP Ouest France – Pluoay and was 4th in Gran Premio Bruno Beghelli, Coppa Sabatini and Tre Valli Varesine. Earlier in the season he finished 2nd in GP Nolibili Rubnetterie and 2nd on one of the stages of Sibiu Tour.
"Ponzi is a similar rider to Grega Bole. He will replace the Slovenian, who will not be riding for our team in 2016. Just like Bole, Ponzi is not a pure sprinter, but is very fast and can stay with the strongest on shorter climbs. He specializes in one-day races," Piotr Wadecki, sporting director, explains. "He is also a rider, who knows how to win and he is a guarantee of at least a few top 10 places for the team. Ponzi has large experience in WorldTour events and was quite successful in them – he has been on the podium of GP Ouest France – Plouay and Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal."
Ponzi joined Southeast after riding for Neri-Sottoli, for one season. Prior to that, he represented three WorldTour squads - Astana, Liquigas-Cannondale and Lampre.
In total he has 7 professional victories under his belt – in GP Nobili Rubinetterie Coppa Papa' Carlo (2014,2011), Energiewacht Dwars door Drenthe (2014), Gran Premio Costa degli Etruschi (2014), GP Kranj (2011) and on the stages of Vuelta a Burgos (2013) and Tour De Slovénie (2012). He is also a silver medalist from the world championships (2008, Varese) and Italian champion (2007) in the U23 category.
Kristjan OSALAND 26 years | today |
Elisa LONGO BORGHINI 33 years | today |
Maria CAZZOLA 37 years | today |
Steven VILLALOBOS 38 years | today |
Emilian BROE 38 years | today |
© CyclingQuotes.com