Dario Cataldo to leave Omega Pharma-Quick
Dario Cataldo has decided to end his associations with Team Omega Pharma-Quick Step and will ride in Team Sky colours for the season ahead.
The cyclist marked his professional debut with Team Liquigas in 2007 and stayed with the team through 2008. He accepted an offer from Patrick Lefevere‘s team in 2009 and spent a period of four years with the side.
The 27-year-old helped the team with several victories during his stay and was amongst the top riders in the Belgian squad.
He secured the first position at the National Time Trial Championships and also bagged a stage each at the Tour de I’Ain and the Vuelta a Espana 2012.
While commenting on his switch to the British side, the Italian noted that he is not certain about his role in the season ahead. “I don't know what my role will be” at the British team, he cited. “I have yet to talk about that with management”.
“I've worked for three years to be competitive in the Grand Tours, but I'm willing to make myself available and do the the work that I will be given .... We'll see”.
Cataldo had the attention of numerous World Tour teams after a glorious victory during the Queen stage of the Vuelta a Espana.
He completed the 183.5 kilometre race in a total time of 5 hours, 18 minutes and 28 seconds and restricted Thomas De Gendt, Joaquim Rodriguez Oliver, Alberto Contador and Alejandro Valverde Belmonte on Monday.
The 2012 season is approaching its end and there is great hustle within the teams, as every General Manager wants to sign the best riders on their squad to ensure a perfect balance for the years to come.
Team Sky might miss the services of the Mark Cavendish as the Manxman does not seem too happy with the help he received at the Tour de France.
The team was busy supporting Bradley Wiggins and Christopher Froome for an overall victory at the Tour de France and Cavendish had no support to defend his green jersey.
Kevin Seeldraeyers and Davide Malacarne have also left Team Omega Pharma-QuickStep and will move to Team Astana and Team Europcar respectively.
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