Austrian rider Stefan Denifl will return to the WorldTour in 2019 as the latest rider to sign with CCC Team, the continuation of Continuum Sports.
Denifl, who raced with Aqua Blue Sport in 2017 and 2018, is known for his memorable solo stage win on stage 17 of the 2017 Vuelta a España.
“Stefan Denifl is great addition to CCC Team so it is a pleasure to welcome him to the team in 2019. Stefan had a breakthrough year in 2017 with a stage win at the Vuelta a España and overall win at the Tour of Austria and we believe he can reach his potential with CCC Team. Stefan has showed that he is capable of winning races and will be a valuable teammate at stage races and Grand Tours,” General Manager Jim Ochowicz said.
“Stefan brings a wealth of experience to the team and will be an asset at the Ardennes classics and the hillier Monuments, Milan – San Remo and Il Lombardia. We are looking forward to seeing what Stefan can do next year and we are excited to welcome the first rider from Austria, which is a key market for CCC, to the team.”
Denifl’s career spans 13 seasons, during which time he has lined up at four Grand Tours, twice at the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España respectively, and 12 Monuments.
The 31-year-old is grateful for the opportunity to join CCC Team after the folding of Aqua Blue Sport.
“The end of Aqua Blue Sport was a big blow for all of us. I was under contract until the end of 2019 so I wasn’t talking to any teams. The rider market that late in the season is always complicated so I am very happy to sign with CCC Team. When looking at the teams with openings, it was clear that CCC Team was my first choice. It is an international squad with strong riders, good staff and a solid structure in place, as well as an impressive new sponsor on board, and top material. There is not much more you can wish for as a rider,” Denifl explained.
“I want to get back to my 2017 level where I was able to win a race here and there. Beside that, I am looking forward to racing as a team and making our fans and sponsors proud. Although my race program isn’t yet determined, the Giro d’Italia would be really cool and it is my dream to race the Tour de France one day. Racing at the WorldTour level means there are so many good racing opportunities so I am excited to return to this level.”
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