Giunti to Naturino-Sapore di Mare

Massimo Giunti has become Naturino-Sapore di Mare's latest signing, joining the Italian Pro Continental team late this week. The 31 year-old rode under team manager Vincenzo Santoni for the majority of his career, but changed to the ProTour team Fassa Bortolo in 2005. However, that team folded and Giunti had to find work again. His old boss was happy to take him back.

"I have to thank Vincenzo Santoni for two things: to allow me, at the end of 2004, to try a season in a ProTour squad like Fassa Bortolo, freeing me from my 2005 contract without problems; and today to put faith in me again in this difficult period."

Santoni said that the door was always open to Giunti, although he wanted to confirm the team's position as a Pro Continental team, which he did so only this week. "I asked myself how it was possible that a strong rider like Massimo was still without a contract in January, another clear sign of how strange cycling can be. I'm confident that I have made an excellent purchase."