Filippo Pozzato signs a three-year deal with Team Lampre-Merida
After having a problematic 2012 season, Filippo Pozzato is optimistic to start the new season on a high-note after pledging his future with Team Lampre-Merida for the season ahead.
“Now it is official”, Pozzato said on Twitter.
“I signed for Lampre Merida Team for next 3 yrs. As usual there will be critics and approvals from fans and medias”.
“I can tell you that I think a lot (never waited until October to decide my new Teams) and Im confident about this choice”.
“Now is important to face a great winter preparation with no problems so I will be ready to start in the best way the new season since November. Thank you to support me and Ciaooo ! Pippo”.
The cyclist had a disappointing season, full of injuries and a three-month suspension, he is hopeful to leave his past behind as he lines up for the 2013 season.
His only commendable performances in the current season include a first place finish at the GP Industria & Artigianato di Larciano, second at the Tour of Flanders and sixth at the Milan-San Remo 2012.
Pozzato marked his professional debut with Team Mapei-Quick Step in 2000 and stayed with the team by the end of 2002 season.
He joined Team Fassa Bortolo through 2003-04, Team Quick Step-Innergetic (2005-06), Team Liquigas (2007-08), Team Katusha (2009-11) before joining Team Farnese Vini-Selle Italia in 2012.
The 31-year-old concluded his 2012 season after the Giro di Lombardia 2012 finishing 71st at the race.
He has an average of almost 80 days of racing per year but could only complete 38 days of racing in 2012.
Pozzato crashed during the Tour of Qatar and broke his collarbone and missed most of the races before marking his return at the spring classics at the Tour of Flanders.
The Italian was included in the team’s final squad for the Giro d’ Italia where he broke his hand after a disastrous crash.
He was ruled out of 2012 Olympic Games and the UCI Road World Championships after his name came up with the banned Dr. Michele Ferrari.
It will be interesting to see, if Pozzato manages to find the right form in the 2013 season to make up for the last season.
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