Visma | Lease a Bike strengthens core around Brennan, signs fast Italian from Bardiani: "He will be a good fit for our team"

The 30-year-old Fiorelli is making his WorldTour debut at a relatively late age: he rode for Bardiani from 2020. Still, he will suddenly be trading the Italian Pro-continental team for one of the biggest teams in the world. “Filippo is a very interesting rider, and we’re curious to see what he can bring to our team,” says Head of Racing Grischa Niermann on the team's website. The German sees the Italian primarily as an important domestique for 20-year-old Brennan. “We believe he’ll be able to support Matthew Brennan well in sprint preparations. He’s also expressed interest in exploring the Spring Classics.

Whereas Fiorelli was often the designated man at Bardiani, the fast man's own chances will diminish considerably at Visma | Lease a Bike. “In both the sprint train and the Classics, his role will be different and more supportive than what he’s been used to,” his German boss realistically states. "We are convinced that he is still able to progress in that role and that he will be a good fit for our team."

Fewer opportunities of his own or not, the Italian is pleased with the step up. “This is one of the best teams in the world, so of course I’m very happy to become part of it,” he rejoices. Fiorelli sprinted to three top 10 places in this year's Giro d'Italia. In 2023, he finished third in the final sprint in Rome: his best result in his home race, which he has completed a total of six times.

It will take some getting used to for the rider: the small Bardiani team lacks the resources that Visma | Lease a Bike has at its disposal. “I’ve seen how this team operates, with all the training facilities and in-house expertise. I can’t wait to start working that way myself and to see how much room for growth I still have. My role will be different than before, but I’m really looking forward to joining one of the top teams in the world in a supporting capacity.”