Danilo Di Luca to sign up with the continental team, Acqua & Sapone, for the 2012 season
News of the Italian rider Danilo Di Luca signing the professional continental team Acqua & Sapone is all over the Italian media. It is believed that the cyclist will sign the team today and will be given an opportunity to represent the Italian squad in
the home grand tour.
Danilo has already confirmed the news as bicicicilismo.com quoted him as saying, “I will be with Acqua & Sapone, with whom I will sign a contract as soon as I arrive back in Italy”, earlier in November.
Danilo started his professional career in 1998 with the Team Riso Scotti and had been with different teams over the years, namely Cantina Tollo-Alexia Alluminio, Saeco Macchine per Caffè-Longoni Sport, Liquigas-Bianchi, LPR Brakes-Ballan and Team Katusha.
He was accused of doping and was tested positive for CERA during the Giro d’ Italia 2009. UCI suspended the cyclist immediately and CONI imposed a ban of two years, effective from February 1, 2010 and a fine of €280,000 was also imposed on him.
The 35-year-old won the point’s classification, stage 4 and stage 10 along with the second overall finish at the Giro d’ Italia 2009. However, the results were revoked because of the proven doping charges.
Luca will target the Giro d’ Italia 2012 and is eager to repeat his 2007’s performance as he won the Giro d’ Italia 2007.
He is training hard and is ready to carry on with his professional career as he mentioned, "I've been training for three weeks. It is important to start strong and immediately achieve a result”.
Danilo further added that, “I am not angry or have the desire for revenge, only the desire to win again as I have always done. For several years I have been missing success”.
He failed to secure any wins after his comeback but is hopeful for a promising 2012.
The Italian shared that winning the Giro is his eventual goal, “I just need a win. I have as much enthusiasm as ever. If I can get back to my level, I have no fear of anyone. I can fight the best of the new generation, like Nibali”.
The cyclist joined the Russian squad Katusha and shared his gratitude with Team Katusha for giving him an opportunity to ride after his comeback and also thanked Andrei Tchmil for his support.
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