Nippo-Vini Fantini-De Rosa which will be led by Damiano Cunego in its first year at the pro continental level, has announced the signing of five new riders. Most importantly, promising sprinter Eduard Grosu and the experienced Pierpaolo De Negri will remain at the team.

After a year at the continental level, Nippo - Vini Fantini - De Rosa is building a strong team for its first season as a pro continental squad. Today the team has confirmed that three riders have renewed their contracts: Eduard Grosu (1992), Pierpaolo De Negri (1986) and Alessandro Malaguti (1982).

Furthermore, two riders will move up from the amateur team: Antonio Viola (1990) and Riccardo Stachhioti (1991).

Manager Stefano Giuliani is pleased with his five riders.

"The great work from this year has not been in vain," he says. "This is the first important fact. We have built a strong relationship of trust and respect with each of these guys and this will allow us to make the team improve and continue to grow. In cycling, you become better if the team is united."

Soon they will announce the names of a few Japanese riders that will complete the roster.

Damiano Cunego will be the leader of the Italian-Japanese team that will move up to the Professional Continental category and has confirmed the signing of several talents. Antonio Nibali (1992), younger brother of the winner of the 2014 Tour de France, comes from the continental Marchiol team. He will be joined by climber Giacomo Berlato, sprinter Nicolas Marini (1993) and Yuri Filosi (1992) who was sixth at the U23 Worlds in Ponferrada and second at the European Championships.