It’s already got the world’s top time trialist Tony Martin on board and, as of January 1st, will have the best sprinter in Mark Cavendish. The Omega Pharma Quick Step team is looking to strengthen the squad in other areas, though, and is starting early with the young Spaniard Carlos Verona Quintanilla.
The squad has inked a deal with him to compete with the team next season; he won’t be twenty until next Sunday but Omega Pharma Quick Step manager Patrick Lefevere believes he’s got a big future ahead.
“We’ve been following Carlos in the last two years,” he said. “Next season will be a unique opportunity for him to race at a high level. We believe that Carlos can fit in perfectly with the team and be a major contributor in races suited to his attributes.”
Verona shone as a climber in the junior ranks and this year finished ninth overall in the Toscana Nation’s Cup race. He has put in two years with the Burgos team and feels ready to step up a level now.
Fortunately he’s already got some experience of the squad and knows what to expect in relation to the setup there.
“For me it’s a dream come true. Last winter I trained with the team during their winter retreat, so I already am somewhat familiar with the atmosphere,” he said. “I’m thrilled with this fantastic opportunity they have offered me. To race beside athletes of this calibre will give me motivation to grow and learn quickly.”
His schedule is yet to be announced but it’s certain that the team will carefully select his events early on in order to ensure that he builds slowly and steadily.