Michele Bartoli to coach Team Lampre in the season ahead
Team Lampre has announced that the former professional cyclist, Michele Bartoli will act as the team’s coaching consultant for the season ahead.
Giuseppe Saronni explained earlier that he is considering to revolutionise the Italian team after its below the par performance in the 2012 season and it seems like the inclusion of former classics specialist is first part of the move.
"Speaking to the riders, it emerged that they wanted a to work with a former rider who had experience at the highest level,” Saronni cited.
He stated that not only is Bartoli has the technical knowledge of the sport but he is also immensely experienced and that is exactly what his team was missing.
The 42-year-old was delighted after signing with the team and is optimistic to help the team in finding its true potential in the season ahead.
"It's great to be working with professional team like Team Lampre," Bartoli said in a press release.
"I'm passionate about my work and I like to follow riders closely and get to know them as people and their daily training so that they achieve their goals. My new role as a consultant will let me do this even more”.
“There's no reason why we can't work well together and guarantee great support for the Lampre team".
Team’s current Sports Director Roberto Damiani is expected to leave the team by the end of his contract this year.
However, Bartoli will not fully replace Damiani as he will focus only on a few cyclists including, Roberto Ferrari, Filippo Pozzato, Michele Scarponi, Alessandro Petacchi, Diego Ulissi and Damiano Cunego.
The Italian marked his professional debut with Team Mercatone Uno-Medeghini-Zucchini in 1992 and stayed with the team by the end of 1995 season.
He rode for Team MG-Technogym through 1996-97, Team Asics (1998), Team Mapei (1999-2001), Team Fassa Bortolo (2002-03) and joined Team CSC for his last year as a cyclist in 2004.
Michele was a true classics specialist and some of his major victories of the season include, the Tour of Flanders and the Tour of Lombardy along with several other victories throughout his flawless career.
It has been reported that Bartoli will attend the team’s first training camp Darfo Boario Terme, near Brescia, in the coming week.
Tags: