Naturino-Sapore di Mare presentation

Pro Continental team Naturino-Sapore di Mare were unveiled Thursday, in Italy. Although a new outfit, they have gained the services of the experienced Francesco Casagrande to guide their young riders through the new Professional Continental racing format - the next rung down from the ProTour. Representatives from Naturino, including their president joined directors Vincenzo Santoni, Giuseppe Petito and Antonio Salutini in launching the new squad.

The team is made up of remnants of the former Domina Vacanze squad, after a mass exodus including Mario Cipollini took place at the end of 2004. 19-year-old Valerio Agnoli featured with Casagrande at the presentation, displaying new SAB bikes and their distinctive canary yellow uniforms. It was a low-key affair, with sponsors confident the team can be competitive within the new competition format.

Photography

For a thumbnail gallery of these images, click here

Images by Fotoreporter Sirotti

• Francesco Casagrande
• Casagrande with Giuseppe Petito and Antonio Salutini
• Casagrande and Valerio Agnoli with management
• SAB are supplying the bikes
• Casagrande, Agnoli and Vicini with a team bike
• It was a low-key affair
• Mamma mia!
• The president of Naturino , main team sponsor
• Women like bikes too!
• You know who stole the show...
• Casagrande and Agnoli can't believe their luck!
• All together now...
• Meet your new training partner...
• Casagrande and Agnoli
• A tight bunch
• The sponsor was well represented
• So, Frank, what do you know?
• Are you talkin' to me?
• Is that what you really want...?
• Management and a team bike
• New name, new challenges
• Lucky boys!
• Naturino for 2005
• Agnoli has a quick word
• Casagrande and Agnoli
• Youth and Experience - Casagrande and Agnoli