The promising young sprinter Elia Viviani makes season debut at the Tour of Qatar.

On February 3, Cannondale Pro Cycling will begin its second month of races with the Tour of Qatar. The race consists of six stages, including one team time trial, and is traditionally suited for fast riders.

Cannondale Pro Cycling will count on its pure sprinter Elia Viviani, supported by a group of expert long distance riders such as Maciej Bodnar, Tiziano Dall’Antonia, Alessandro De Marchi, Kristijan Koren, Daniele Ratto and Fabio Sabatini, as well as reliable alternative Guillaume Boivin. The Tour of Qatar will be the first race in 2013 for all the riders, and for Boivin and De Marchi it will be also their debut with the new team.

“I’m going to face my first race of the season, but I think I can do well,” affirmed Viviani.

“I’m satisfied with my preparation: it’s a kind of new addition to my winter plans, more in depth training than I’ve had in the past. I feel I’ll be immediately competitive, thanks to my team’s support. I aim for a win, but if not, it’s just as important to do my best and improve day by day.”

“We are ready to take our chances in every stage; we have a competitive and well-equipped team,” said Directeur Sportif Alberto Volpi

“Due to his characteristics, Viviani will be key focus and will have the full support of the team. Do not rule out Boivin, though. He showed great attitude and good condition during team camps. Tour of Qatar is a race to focus on day by day, with the wind as a factor that will create surprises”.