The UCI-registered Italian women's team, Nobili Rubinetterie-Menikini Cogeas was presented to the public in Suno, Italy, yesterday. Directed by Walter Zini, the squad's main objectives this season are the Giro d'Italia and the La Route de France Féminine, although Zini believes the under 23 European Championships could also be within its reach. "Modesta Vzesniauskaite could show her worth there and obtain a very good result," he said at the presentation. "Also Olga Slyusareva will be riding the World Track Championships and then be entirely available to the team," Zini added.
The team has 18 elite and four junior athletes on its roster and will make its racing debut at the Geelong Tour in Australia from February 22-25, to prepare for the first World Cup event in Geelong, Australia on February 27. Next race on its schedule will be the Trust House Women’s Tour in New Zealand, March 2-4, followed by the second World Cup race in Wellington, New Zealand, on March 6. Participating at these competitions will be Lithuanian Modesta Vzesniauskaite, Russian Olga Slyusareva, Joanne Kiesanowski from New Zealand as well as the Italian riders Daniela Fusar Poli, Sigrid Corneo and Silvia Valsecchi.
