Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka announced that two of cycling’s hottest young U23 talents, Matteo Sobrero & Samuele Battistella, will join their team in 2020, and are the first two signings for the squad that will be rebranded as Team NTT next season.
The Italian duo of Sobrero (22yrs) and Battistella (20yrs) have enjoyed a successful season with Team Dimension Data’s Continental feeder team this year, where between them, they have already stood on the top step of a podium no less than on 9 occasions.
Some of their more prestigious scalps this season include victories at the U23 Strade Bianche, Giro del Belvedere and the U23 national TT champs for Sobrero. Battistella took top honours at the Tour de Limpopo and GP la Torre.
Their attacking racing style and obvious talent for when the road heads upward is undeniable. Sobrero even turned heads among the men’s elite pro peloton this year, when he claimed 3rd place at the hilly UCI 1.HC Trofeo Laigueglia, while racing for the Italian national team.
Sobrebro and Battistella become the 6th and 7th riders to graduate into the pro ranks from TDD’s feeder team in recent years, which is testament to the successful program that is being run at Dimension Data Continental.
Few details were provided about the transition to the Team NTT brand, but Dimension Data is a subsidiary of Japanese telecommunications company Nippon Telephone & Telegraph.
“For me this professional contract is a dream come true after many years of hard work and dedication to the sport of cycling. At the same time though, this is also a great starting point and the next phase of my career. I’m happy to take these next steps with the Dimension Data team, who will become Team NTT next year, after already being two years on the continental team where I have learned and grown so much as a rider.” – Matteo Sobrero
“When people have asked me, “what do you want to do when you grow up?”, every time my answer was I want to be a professional cyclist. Now, I can say that the dream has come true. I would like to thank every person that has made this possible for me, especially my family and the Dimension Data Continental Team. I’m so excited and motivated for next season and I will give everything in every race to help the team, to learn and honour the new NTT World Tour jersey.” – Samuele Battistella
“Our Dimension Data Continental Team continues to offer incredible opportunities to young riders who have the desire and aspiration to become a part of the world tour peloton. As a team we understand how difficult it is to break into any sport at any level. This is the reason we are so passionate in what we do in this team and associate ourselves with the Zwift Academy, opening our doors to all who have big dreams. Matteo and Samuele have worked so hard, had amazing success, and are ready for what lies ahead, we look forward to having them be a part of Team NTT in 2020.” – Douglas Ryder, Team Principal
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