Italy's Flaminia has built a team strong in the mountains and ready to contend for stages races like the Giro d'Italia next season. Team Manager Roberto Marrone released today his 17-man team for the year ahead.
"The 2010 team was mostly renewed by adding riders strong on climbs," said Marrone. "I think we will occupy a prominent place among the Italian teams and we are confident in having invites to the most important Italian races."
The team's most famous new signing is Riccardo Riccò, who is serving a suspension for doping that ends March 18, 2010. He won two stages and finished second overall at the Giro d'Italia in 2008. Giampaolo Caruso, Santo Anzà and Massimiliano Gentili will support Riccò on the climbs.
Andrea Noè, who will also join Flaminia for next season, became the oldest rider, at 38, to wear the leader's jersey in any Grand Tour when he held the Giro d'Italia's lead for one day in 2007. At 41-years-old, Noè will be able to pass on his experience to the team's younger riders.
Fabrizio Lucciola, 23, and Filippo Baggio, 21, will ride their first professional season with the team next year.
