SOUDAL QUICK-STEP AND RIBOLI TEAM AUTOZAI CONTRI TOGETHER TO DEVELOP NEW ITALIAN TALENTS

JUNIORS | 16/06/2026 | 16:54

Riboli Team Autozai Contri and Soudal Quick-Step - one of the most successful and historic formations in world cycling - are proud to announce a prestigious long-term partnership. A strategic agreement aimed at creating a clear and structured pathway to enable some of Italy's most promising young riders to grow and progress within a familiar, protected and highly professional environment.

Based on the agreement reached, Riboli Team Autozai Contri will become the official U19 satellite team of Soudal Quick-Step in Italy. The two structures will work closely together to identify, nurture and develop the next generation of Italian cycling talents. Italy has always played a fundamental role in the history of the Belgian "Wolfpack": from the triumphs of Paolo Bettini, one of the team's iconic riders in its early years and two-time world champion in this jersey, Italian cyclists have consistently contributed to shaping the team's identity.

The bond between the two organizations is already demonstrated by Filippo Zana's career path. The Italian rider spent part of the crucial years of his development wearing the Riboli Team Autozai Contri jersey, before turning professional and subsequently joining Soudal Quick-Step. Erazem Valjvec also raced for the Verona-based team before joining the Belgian formation's Devo Team last year, demonstrating the validity of a pipeline that this new partnership aims to strengthen further for future generations.

Riboli Team Autozai Contri brings with it a rich tradition in developing young talents. Founded more than fifty years ago and for generations a reference point for Italian junior cycling, the team has launched the careers of numerous athletes who went on to establish themselves at the highest world levels. In recent seasons, the team has confirmed itself as one of the most solid and competitive youth programs in Italy, combining sporting excellence with strong attention to the personal development of its riders.

The collaboration has been designed to allow young Italian athletes to remain in their own environment and territory during the delicate growth phase, while interfacing with the highest levels of international cycling. Thanks to the partnership, selected riders will benefit from strong integration with the Wolfpack's structure. At the same time, the technical staff and personnel of both organizations will constantly collaborate to share expertise, working methodologies and best practices.

The synergy will also extend to key areas such as athletic testing, performance monitoring, coaching and scientific preparation, allowing both organizations to leverage their respective resources and experiences. Technical staff will meet regularly and hold joint seminars with the common goal of offering young athletes the best opportunities to flourish in professional cycling.

Over the years, Soudal Quick-Step has developed a true ecosystem dedicated to young riders, aimed at maximizing each rider's potential. The creation of the Soudal Quick-Step Devo Team in 2022 strengthened this commitment, creating a direct bridge between the Junior category and the WorldTour. The new collaboration with Riboli Team Autozai Contri will integrate the work already carried out by the Belgian team's U19 structures in Belgium and Northern Europe, enhancing the Wolfpack's ability to support talent in key cycling nations, while fully respecting local development contexts.

Statement from Filippo Padovani, President of Riboli Team Autozai Contri: «Since my entry into the management of Team Riboli, my vision has always been to build a structure capable of offering young athletes the best in terms of technology, expertise and professional support, creating the best possible conditions for those who dream of building a future in cycling. A project that goes far beyond simple sporting results and individual victories. In Soudal Quick-Step we found an organization that fully shares this philosophy and this vision of youth cycling. For this reason, the path that led us to this partnership was rapid and natural: from the start, there was strong alignment on objectives and the way to develop young talents».

Statement from Enrico Mantovanelli, General Manager: «This new partnership with an organization that has written important chapters in the history of world cycling fills us with satisfaction and pride. The fact that Soudal Quick-Step chose Riboli Team Autozai Contri as the Italian junior team to collaborate with represents an important recognition of the work we have done in recent years. Looking back at the path we have traveled, I feel great emotion seeing how much we have grown and how many objectives that once seemed almost unreachable have become reality. This achievement is the fruit of the daily work of our entire staff, who with passion, expertise and dedication have contributed decisively to the growth of our project».

Also commenting enthusiastically on the agreement is Jurgen Foré, CEO of Soudal Quick-Step: «We are pleased to begin this collaboration with Riboli Team Autozai Contri, a team with a glorious history and an excellent reputation in developing young riders. Italy has always been an important country in the history of our team and we see in this partnership an opportunity to invest in the future of Italian cycling. What makes this collaboration particularly exciting is that it allows young Italian talents to continue their development path within a familiar environment, while benefiting from the knowledge, experience and performance facilities existing in both organizations. We believe that young riders develop best when they are supported both athletically and personally, and this partnership helps us provide exactly that. This initiative complements the excellent work already being done within our existing development ecosystem, including our established U19 activities in Belgium and Northern Europe. Together, these programs will help us continue to identify, support and develop talented young riders from across Europe. We look forward to working closely with all members of Riboli Team Autozai Contri, sharing ideas and expertise, and helping the next generation of riders reach their full potential».