Androni Giocattoli set to merger with unknown South American team

Drone Hopper - Androni Giocattoli are set to be no more in 2023. They will however carry on under a different name thanks to an expected merger with an unknown South American team.

Team manager Gianni Savio is reportedly in talks with an as-of-yet-unknown South American team about a possible merger that could save the team. “It is our intention to return to the professional level in 2024 via a transition year at continental level – with a project for young, promising riders,” Savio says. “When the last details are ready, we will go on a continental license together with a South American team. It is a formation that mainly consists of young Colombian talents.”

Read also

Primoz Roglic on Jonas Vingegaard: "We actually never had a fight"

The rumored possible partner for Drone Hopper - Androni Giocattoli is Colombia Tierra de Atletas-GW-Shimano. As this is not yet confirmed however it's hard to say whether or not this could be a realistic proposition. 

“In this restart at continental level, I still have the same enthusiasm as when I started, some thirty years ago,” Savio says. “Racing remains my great passion and my return to South America represents a celebration of the continent where I have discovered numerous talents, including Egan Bernal.”

Read also

"I still stand by my words" - Primoz Roglic talks of gratitude for cycling, key to stage-racing and Fred Wright crash