Visma | Lease a Bike strikes again and strengthens grand tour squad with talented Italian

The 23-year-old made his breakthrough at EOLO Kometa, now Polti VisitMalta, where last year he claimed his first victories. In February, he won the queen stage of the Tour of Alanya, laying the foundation for the overall victory in the Turkish four-day race.

“Davide is a rider in whom we see a lot of potential,” said Head of Racing Grischa Niermann in a statement. The German was clear about the young Italian’s role. “He will strengthen our grand tour squad, initially in a support role, but he will of course also get his own chances.”

Piganzoli already has grand tour experience, having ridden the Giro d’Italia twice with Polti. At his new team, he’ll be able to further develop in three-week races. “We want to help him grow to the next level as a GC rider, and we’re happy that he chose us and our project.”

“This is a big step in my career,” Piganzoli said about his transfer. “I’m looking forward to riding for a new team and getting to know all my new teammates and staff. The Visma | Lease a Bike project really appealed to me because I believe I can truly continue developing as a GC rider here.”

Where other riders have often praised Visma | Lease a Bike’s environment and professionalism, the Italian feels the same, as his words show: “There is so much expertise in this team: all the experienced riders, the equipment, the structure, and much more. Step by step I want to keep developing myself as a GC rider.”

It’s the sixth new signing for the Dutch team and the fourth from outside. The Killer Bees are also promoting Tim Rex and Pietro Mattio from the development squad this winter, while Bruno Armirail (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale), Filippo Fiorelli (Bardiani), and Timo Kielich (Alpecin–Deceuninck) have been brought in.