While it has been a rumour for a few weeks now, Southeast look close to signing Filippo Pozzato from Lampre-Merida after the team had its Pro Continental licence for 2016 confirmed by the UCI. It would be a big coup for the team to sign the Monument winner, as he is one of the most popular riders in Italy.

“I don’t think we’d be talking now if it was not for Pozzato. Another rider, like Mauro Finetto, would not draw the same attention,” Southeast general manager Angelo Citracca told VeloNews. “After Vincenzo Nibali and Fabio Aru, he is Italy’s top cycling personality even if the results haven’t come in. Anyway, we are sure that we can help him bring in results. Others older than him are still winning in the classics.”

The 34 year old hasn’t won a race since 2013 and has a reputation as being a playboy in the past, but seems to have straightened his act up and is looking to achieve more. He wont sign with Southeast until money is made available to sign him and he will need to accept a pay cut, but sources close to the Italian rider say it is very likely he will ride with the team in 2016.

“We will push our current sponsors for more money, but Filippo has to be willing to accept a little less,” Citracca said. “We are dealing with him and we hope that in the next week we will have a deal worked out.”