Jose Rujano signs with Androni Giocattoli
Venezuelan climbing specialist Jose Rujano will be returning to European competition for the next two seasons with Pro Continental team Androni Giocattoli.
Last year, Rujano publicly announced that he was the third-best climber in the world behind Andy Schleck and Joaquin Rodriguez, but he has been competing almost entirely in South America for the last two years and hasn’t been able to back his claim up.
Androni Giocattoli launched the Venezuelan’s pro career in 2003 and he spent four years in Europe with the team and finished on the podium at the 2005 Giro d’Italia.
"We discovered him in Venezuela and launched him amongst the professionals in 2003," said Androni Giocattoli team manager Gianni Savio.
"After two seasons, during which we had let him grow gradually, he conquered the podium in Giro d’Italia at 23 years of age and as the leader of our team. He also took the stage to Sestrieres and the green jersey as King of the Mountains. Then he left us
and stopped his results."
When his current team, ISD-Neri, failed to secure an invite in the Italian Grand Tour, the 28-year-old put his name into the transfer market.
"We want to re-launch him, since we trust in his talent and we believe that with the spirit of team, he will be able to obtain again great results," said Savio.
The two-time national time-trial champion didn’t have much success in Europe after leaving his first pro team, but the results came pouring back in when he returned to South America in 2009.
The Venezuelan won the Vuelta a Colombia, Vuelta a Venezuela, Vuelta al Tachira and the Tour de Langkawi as well as taking nine stage wins and three time-trial victories.
His recent victories and the return to the team which brought him the most success could see him back fighting for the overall at the Giro d’Italia next year.
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