Lampre signs new duo

Lampre-Fondital will welcome another two Italians into the ProTour team's 'family' in 2008, following the announcement it has come to an agreement with Mirco Lorenzetto and Marco Bandiera. Lorenzetto joins the squad from rival Italian outfit Team Milram, where he has spent the past two seasons.

The 26 year-old enjoyed a strong campaign in 2006, taking victory on the Tour Méditerranéen's Stage 6 and podium finishes on the event's previous stage as well as on Paris-Nice's Stage 6, Brixia Tour's Stage 4, Settimana Ciclistica Internazionale's Stage 5 and the 183.3 kilometre Trofeo Laigueglia.

Bandiera joins the squad as a neo-professional having impressed the squad this season.

"I think that Lorenzetto and Bandiera are goods athletes," Lampre-Fondital general manager Giuseppe Saronni commented. "The first one could show good things in North races and he could be useful in preparing sprints. The second one is young and has already showed part of his potential - for instance, he obtained in a tough race such as Volta a Portugal one second place and three fourth places."

Both riders have signed two year contracts with the squad.