Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

Bad move for Bernucci. The team that sucks out good performances from every rider except Alexandre Vinokouov is about to claim another victim as Lorenzo Bernucci signs with the German team. Lorenzo is a good up and coming rider, but going for the cash at T-Mobile has proven to be a bad move for so many riders and few have ever paid off in a positive way.

“Lorenzo Bernucci is a young rider with huge potential,” said T-Mobile team manager Olaf Ludwig in the announcement. Describing the 25-year-old Italian as a good team worker able to “be a strong factor” in both the classics and the grand tours, Ludwig said, “Lorenzo has what it takes to race for victory at the demanding Belgian classics. He will get his chance.”

Bernucci’s biggest pro success to date was his victory in stage six of the Tour de France in Nancy, where he edged out T-Mobile’s Alexandre Vinokourov to take the win. And while he now wants to “build on this success”, Bernucci says he is also happy to fulfill the role of a team worker. “To me, assisting the top riders and carrying the water bottles for them, is a fun thing - and it’s my job,” he said.

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