The might of Filippo Pozzato's Classics support squad took a very nice turn for the positive today with the signing of compatriot Luca Paolini, reports La Gazzetta dello Sport.
The 33 year old Paolini has raced for the Italian Acqua e Sapone squad the last three seasons, but even with a decidedly non-cobbled focus on the team, Paolini managed to ride to solid success in the spring. This year the native of Milan finished 4th in the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, 17th on the Strade Bianche, 10th at Milano-Sanremo, 6th at the Dwars door Vlaanderen, 10th at Gent-Wevelgem, and 2nd on Stage 1 of the Three Days of De Panne and third overall.
Paolini's spring was a stellar showing, and for Filippo Pozzato, he should be overjoyed at the right hand man he'll gain in Paolini, not only in riding ability, but as a countryman and friend.
Paolini has also previously finished on the podiums of the Ronde van Vlaanderen (3rd, 2007), Milano-Sanremo (3rd, 2006), the Vattenfall Cyclassics (2nd, 2005).
Paolini has still not signed the contract, but is expected to sign the one year deal when he returns from vacation on the Maldives with Paolo Bettini and friends.
Pozzato will no doubt be pleased with Katusha's offseason acquisitions of Paolini, Leif Hoste, and Aleksandr Kuschynski. The four riders together will form a formidable force.
According to La Gazzetta, Pozzatto had also asked for the signing of 37 year old veteran, Matteo Tosatto, but apparently, that was a bridge too far for team president, Andrei Tchmil.
It will be a very different looking Katusha team next season when the racing heads to the ancient roads of Belgium and Northern France. It certainly looks like Katusha will play a major part in the proceedings.