Italian Francesco De Bonis signs with Diquigiovanni (Image credit: AFP)
Francisco de Bonis signed with Team Diquigiovanni Androni for the coming year, where he will ride for his former Gerolsteiner teammate Davide Rebellin.
Italy's De Bonis won the fourth stage of this year's Tour de Romandie while riding for Team Gerolsteiner, which turned out to be his last race of the season. The team said that the 26-year old "did not fit well to the team," and de Bonis said that he and team manager Hans-Michael Holczer "did not understand each other." It was his first professional year, and he joined the team on Rebellin's recommendation.
Rebellin apparently also recommended him for the new team. Bonis is "a highly regarded rider. Above all, he is a trusted helper for Rebellin," Team Manager Gianni Savio said to tuttobiciweb.com.
The signing gives the Italian Professional Continental team 18 riders for the coming season. Savio said that would be enough, but that if he finds a few new smaller sponsors, the team might sign two more riders.
Diquigiovanni Androni plans to open the season in South America, not in Venezuela as usual, but in Argentina. "We will begin January 16 and 17 with the Tour de San Juan," Savio said, followed by the Tour de San Luis. (SW)
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
