The young Italian – who turned pro in 2016 – will continue riding for our team in the next two years.
Davide Martinelli is the latest rider to commit his future to Quick-Step Floors, after inking an agreement through the end of 2019. One of the most talented Italian riders of his generation, the 24-year-old showed his potential and qualities from the first season spent in the Quick-Step Floors colors; in just his second race of 2016, Davide took a stage victory at Tour de la Provence, followed a few months later by an emphatic success and a stint in the leader's jersey at the Tour de Pologne, a remarkable result considering it came in a World Tour event.
This year, the Italian continued to build on his impressive neo-pro season and make other solid steps in his development, which led to a Grand Tour debut at the 100th Giro d'Italia, where he played an important role in the sprint train that helped Fernando Gaviria capture four stage wins.
His progress, contribution to the team's success and loyalty didn't go unnoticed, leading to an extension with Quick-Step Floors, a decision which came as something natural for Davide: "This is the best team in the world, so I am really happy to have added two more years to my contract. It's the perfect place to be for a rider with my characteristics and ambitions. I was always hoping to continue here and I am grateful to Patrick for the trust he put in me."
Martinelli detailed his ambitions and hopes of becoming a key player for the most victorious squad of the past six years: "I have a long affection for the Spring Classics, which is why I am dreaming about doing well in these races, and Quick-Step Floors have so much experience and success with developing classics riders. I can learn a lot from champions like Gilbert and Stybar, who both have so much experience to offer, and even from young and talented riders, like Alaphilippe or Gaviria. Besides continuing my development and helping the team, I'm also keen on winning again and I'm ready to work hard in order to achieve all these things."
"Davide has gradually settled into the team and put in some good results, but most importantly, he showed that he shares the values, ambitions and mentality which make Quick-Step Floors one of the best squads in the worlds. He has the capability and capacity to learn and develop with us and that's why I'm looking with confidence and excitement to the next two years and the input he'll bring to the team", said Patrick Lefevere, Quick-Step Floors' CEO.
Photo credit: ©BrakeThrough Media
