Trek-Segafredo boss confirms Vincenzo Nibali signing
The 2019 Giro d’Italia runner up will move from Bahrain-Merida in 2020
A boss of Trek-Segafredo has confirmed Vincenzo Nibali will be joining the US-based team next season.
Massimo Zanetti, owner of the coffee giant and second team sponsor Segafredo, has said in an interview he was determined to sign the Italian Grand Tour star, who will move from Bahrain-Merida at the end of the year.
Nibali, runner-up in the 2019 Giro d’Italia, will bolster the Italian contingent in the squad.
>>> Giro d’Italia 2019 ratings: How did each team perform?
Zanetti told Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport: “In 2020, Vincenzo Nibali will be riding for Trek-Segafredo.
“I’ve wanted this very strongly and finally I did it.
“Vincenzo is the best Italy has and one of the best in the world.”
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Trek-Segafredo is currently built around Grand Tour hopeful Richie Porte and sprinter John Degenkolb, with Bauke Mollema also offering strong Grand Tour performances and Jasper Stuyven their leader in the classics.
The UCI rules state that transfers can only be announced from August 1, but Zanetti has only confirmed long-standing rumours about Nibali’s switch.
After finishing second in the Giro, Nibali said he will now turn his attention to the Tour de France where he will target stage wins and the polka dot jersey of the mountains classification.
Zanetti added: “I’ve noticed that all riders nowadays need a family atmosphere in a team. Nibali will find that with us. We will build a good team around him.”
Nibali is expected to take his brother Antonio, coach Paolo Slongo, masseur Michele Pallini and doctor Emilio Magni with him to Trek.
>>> Simon Yates reflects on ‘heart-breaking’ Giro d’Italia 2019
Transfer rumours also suggest the Mikel Landa is set to replace Nibali as the Bahrain-Merida leader, making the move from Movistar.
Long-time Team Ineos performance director Rod Ellingworth will become the principal for the Bahrain team.
Ellingworth is currently on gardening leave from the British WorldTour outfit and will officially be leaving this summer.
Landa and Ellingworth worked together during the Spaniard’s two-year stint with Team Sky.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
USA Cycling unveils 2025 National Championship schedule with 17 chances to claim the Stars and Stripes jersey
From cycling eSports in February to cyclocross in December, here are the dates and locations for the 2025 season
By Anne-Marije Rook Published
-
Tech of the week: A shockingly expensive steel bike from Colnago, a surprisingly affordable carbon bike from Pinarello, DT Swiss energises our cycling lives and Pog's bars are now yours to buy
Colnago's Steelnova is a thing of beauty but you'll pay for the pleasure, while Pinarello's F1 is an inexpensive gateway to the brand. DT Swiss enters the dynamo hub market and Enve brings Pog's cockpit to market
By Luke Friend Published
-
‘I couldn’t quite believe it’ - Charlie Quarterman on his rags to riches Giro d’Italia selection
The British rider spent a year at amateur level with Philippe Wagner Cycling before heading back to the top with Corratec
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘Giving up the Giro breaks my heart’ – Trek’s Giulio Ciccone forced out of home tour by Covid symptoms
Italian was relishing leading Trek’s challenge at Giro that starts in his home region
By Peter Cossins Published
-
Lizzie Deignan to return to racing at Flèche Wallonne, is a possibility for Liège–Bastogne–Liège
Trek-Segafredo finalise roster for Wednesday's Ardennes Classic, with Deignan returning for the first time since 2021
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lizzie Deignan: 'It’s a shame someone can’t see the value of the Women’s Tour'
The Women’s Tour’s only double winner expresses her disappointment after the cancellation of the 2023 race
By Owen Rogers Published
-
‘She said she wanted to cry’ - Elisa Longo Borghini lauds team-mate after dominant Jebel Hafeet win
The Italian duo rode clear of the peloton at the UAE Tour to take a memorable one-two
By Tom Davidson Published
-
All the 2023 kits: EF Education-EasyPost share latest collaboration with Rapha
American WorldTour team become latest to release their new 2023 kit, here's the rest
By Adam Becket Published
-
Changing of the guard: Seven top cyclists who have retired in 2022
Vincenzo Nibali, Alejandro Valverde and Tom Dumoulin have all called time on their careers this year
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Van Vleuten confirms her superiority with Ceratizit Challenge GC victory
Elisa Balsamo takes the final stage bunch kick on the Madrid circuit after consummate work from Trek-Segafredo
By Owen Rogers Published