Team manager Diana Zilute confirmed to Cyclingnews that the women's squad is independent from the men, and its complete roster headed by world champion Giorgia Bronzini is ready to take on a full calendar for the upcoming season.
"We share the big disappointment with the men that Geox left the world of cycling. We're disappointed for the cycling movement, for the riders - it will perhaps be too late for some to find another team - the staff who worked on the team and especially for names like Geox and TMC which will no longer play their important part in the cycling world.
"Our team, Diadora Pasta Zara, is not affected in any way by Geox TMC. We have our own independent structure in all aspects from them and we are going forward, as we have for 17 years.
"We have already organized a new team with the world champion Giorgia Bronzini. We are calm and look forward with great goals and incentives. We hope that the 2012 season brings lots of satisfaction and results of a high level."
Diadora-Pasta Zara-Manhattan for 2012:
Giorgia Bronzini, Rossella Callovi, Alessandra D'Ettorre, Giulia Donato, Giada Borgato, Francesca Stefani, Inga Cilvinaite,, Edita Janeliunaite, Agne Silinyte, Alona Andruk, Polona Batagelj and Amber Pierce.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Laura Weislo is a Cyclingnews veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.
