Cannondale Pro Cycling Debuts in Europe at GP Costa degli Etruschi

As Cannondale Pro Cycling enters the second month of its 2014 season, the team will attend its first race on European roads. Following two stage races in January, the Tour de San Luis and the Tour Down Under, Cannondale Pro Cycling will participate in the Gran Premio Costa degli Etruschi, a day long race (191 km) in Italy slated to take place this Sunday, February 2.

Eight athletes, including Cannondale Pro Cycling team captain Ivan Basso, will make their cycling season debut in front of Italian fans. For Basso, the GP Costa degli Etruschi will be the first step of many until the Giro d’Italia.

Other team riders joining Basso at the start of the race include Kristijan Koren, Alan Marangoni, Juraj Sagan and Cristiano Salerno as well as young guns Davide Villella, Michel Koch and Davide Formolo. This will be Formolo’s first race as a professional cyclist.

“After a long and positive training period, my desire to compete is strong even if my most important goals have not yet been met,” said Basso. “The first race of the season is like the first day of school; you’re ready to learn and excited to do your job. We’re a solid group, and I’m determined to help my team achieve the best results possible.”

“The GP Costa degli Etruschi has a very unpredictable route,” said Directeur Sportif Mario Scirea. “We have the right riders to manage this race and play up our chances in the finale. I expect a bold performance from the entire team. Excelling this early on could make a difference for the whole season, especially for our younger riders.”