Omega Pharma – Quick-Step Cycling Team has signed another rider from Continental Team ETIXX-iHNed: Petr Vakoc. The 21-year-old Czech all-round rider has collected 12 victories, including four in the last year. One of those victories in 2013 was Tour of Slovakia. He signed with OPQS for two years, 2014 and 2015. This is the second rider signed to OPQS from ETIXX-iHNed, after Julian Alaphilippe.
“Petr is now the second rider we have signed from our satellite team,” OPQS CEO Patrick Lefevere said. “I am happy with this signing as this is more proof of our commitment to developing the future of professional cycling through investment in young riders. Petr has shown promise and we think his talent can fit well with the experienced riders on OPQS.”
“From the first year in U23 category, Petr Vakoc was one of the best in its category,” said ETIXX-iHNed Sport Director René Andrle. “He confirmed that by an excellent 15th place at the World Championships in Copenhagen. In his second season in the U23 category, Petr had some great results in his French team and stable form in the representation. Thanks to that I chose him for ETIXX-iHNed team. He was one of the most careful riders in our team since the beginning. He worked hard toward his goal, which paid off in half of the season by some excellent results and was crowned by the 2nd place in the European Championships.”
“When I got the chance to ride for ETIXX-iHNed team a year ago, I was hoping that I can one day ride for Omega Pharma – Quick-step,” Vakoc said. “But I did not even dream that it can happen already this year. However, during this season I began to believe it more and more. After I became vice champion of Europe, I started to get offers from several UCI WorldTour teams, but Omega Pharma – Quick-step was obviously the clear choice for me. The following season will be a great challenge for me and I believe that I will succeed even beside the professionals.”
“Petr Vakoc worked hard on his path to professional cycling,” said Petr Kovác, manager of ETIXX-iHNed. “We are happy that he was with our team ETIXX-iHNed, and that he had a chance to make the final step towards the professional contract. Professional cycling is the hardest but most beatiful sport performed only by the best athletes. We are excited that Petr has joined this elite group of sportsmen.”