23-05-2008 22:42:00

The amazing way in which the Liquigas Team has gelled has been one of its strong points, and also one of the reasons for its many successes. So with this in mind, team manager Roberto Amadio announced today that Franco Pellizotti, Alessandro Vanotti and Dario Cataldo have renewed their contracts for another two years: «They’re important racers for the team. Our decision was based on technical reasons and the obvious need for continuity: the group’s unity will help to create an even better and brighter future. »

Pellizotti was born in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy in 1978. He has been riding for Liquigas since 2005, the year in which the company made its great return to the world of cycling. «We’ve always had the utmost trust in Franco, » said Amadio, «And that’s how we mean to continue. We firmly believe that he will do particularly well in the coming seasons. » The “Delfino di Bibione” is extremely pleased with this second contract renewal: «I didn’t wait until the end of the season to decide and I haven’t been waiting to hear about any other offers. Being part of the team is like staying with my family: I’ve never had any doubts about my future. »

Alessandro Vanotti, the 28-year-old from Bergamo, joined the boys in green and blue in 2006. He clocked-up three victories in 2007: one stage win during the Settimana Ciclistica Lombarda (the Lombardy Cycling Week) and the team time trial in the same competition as well as at the Giro d’Italia. He’ll continue to benefit the team with his wealth of experience and balanced approach, which have proved invaluable for the development of younger riders.

For Dario Cataldo, the promising rider born in 1985 who won the Under 23 Giro d’Italia in 2006, this confirmation is particularly important. It offers him new incentives and motivation following the opportunity he had this year to race in the Giro d’Italia.

Press office Team Liquigas