The Russian team Gazprom-RusVelo and Roman Kreuziger have signed a one-year contract.
 
The 34-year-old Kreuziger from Czech Republic raced 18 Grand tours and has a wealth of experience. Among his major achievements are a stage victory at Giro d’Italia and overall victories at Tour de Romandie, Tour de Suisse and Giro di Sardegna. 
 
Roman comments on signing a contract: “New team, new challenge! I received a really good energy and impression from the team management during our first online-meetings. I found out that they are very confident and I will be able to calmly start my preparation for the upcoming season. At this moment there are many very solid riders on the market, that’s why I really appreciate being given a place in the team. Moreover, I am acquainted with the team’s Sport Director Dmitry Konyshev. I know him for many years and he is a great specialist. That is something that also makes me glad. Dmitry lives very close to my place in Italy, so it will be possible to regularly meet and receive his professional advice and feedback.”

Kreuziger’s goals for the next season: “I am set to share my experience with the young riders and of course I will be helping Ilnur Zakarin to fight for the GC. I hope that we will receive an invitation to Giro d’Italia next season, because we can definitely be competitive there. From my side I also hope to participate in one-day races, especially my favourite Ardennes Classics. Another big goal for me for the next year is the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
 
"Someone might probably think that I am quite old, because I have been in professional cycling for such a long time, but let’s look at Valverde who is in great shape in his 40s. So, I would say that I am only 34 and feel good and very ambitious to race for more seasons. I will do my best to achieve more victories together with my new team Gazprom-RusVelo,” said Roman Kreuziger. 
 
General manager of the team Renat Khamidulin: “I am certain that Roman is one of those riders who needs no introduction. The massive experience gained over the years of his professional career at the highest level is actually the greatest value. This is what any team needs — the young athletes will have an example of a real professional, and experienced riders will have the kind of support in the race that only a rider of this level is able to provide. Basically, Kreuziger will have two main goals in our team — to be one of the main supportive riders for Zakarin and an athlete who is capable to personally deliver high results. I am sure that Roman's presence in Gazprom-RusVelo will significantly increase the level of each rider individually and the team as a whole”.

Photo credit: Marketa Navratilova