Irish-registered Italian team invited as new Russian team pulls out due to logistical problems
The Utensilnord-Named team has been extended a last minute invitation to the Strade Bianche race, on March 3rd, by organiser RCS Sport. The place in the race, which crosses the iconic, unsurfaced “white roads” of Tuscany, has become available after the Rusvelo team pulled out.
“We were honoured to be invited by RCS Sport but unfortunately a logistical problem that occurred in the last few days has forced us to miss the race,” said Rusvelo team manager Raphael Schweda on his team’s decision to decline the invitation.
Utensilnord-Named, an Italian Professional Continental team registered in Ireland, rode last year’s edition of the race, when it was called De Rosa-Ceramica Flaminia, with Patxi Vila finishing 17th as part of the first group. The team has already been invited by RCS Sport to Milano-Sanremo and il Lombardia – its two most prestigious one-day races, and so is understandably delighted to add the Strade Bianche to its calendar.
“Being able to ride the Strade Bianche race is great news,” said team manager Fabio Bordonali. “We were very happy that RCS Sport invited us to ride Milano-Sanremo and Il Lombardia.
“Riding the Strade Bianche race will give us an extra opportunity to show what we can do in prestigious international races.”
The 2012 Strade Bianche will be the sixth edition of the white roads Classic, starting in Gaiole in Chianti in the heart of the Tuscan wine country and finishing in the spectacular Piazza del Campo in the hilltop city of Siena. Last year’s edition was won by Philippe Gilbert (then Omega Pharma-Lotto, now BMC Racing), which augured an incredible spring season for the Belgian that saw him take an historic triple in the Ardennes Classics.
This year the race will be broadcast live on Italian television for the first time.
Strade Bianche (1.1) revised team list
UCI ProTeams:
Astana Pro Team (Kaz)
BMC Racing Team (USA)
Garmin – Barracuda (USA)
Lampre – ISD (Ita)
Liquigas – Cannondale (Ita)
Movistar Team (Esp)
Radioshack – Nissan (Lux)
UCI Professional Continental Teams:
Acqua & Sapone (Ita)
Colombia – Coldeportes (Col)
Colnago – CSF Inox (Irl)
Farnese Vini – Selle Italia (GBr)
Project 1T4I (Ned)
Team Type 1 - Sanofi (USA)
Utensilnord – Named (Irl)