The rumours had been reported just under a month ago, as Mulubrhan's former team Bike Aid posted a press release announcing that the African continental champion was leaving the team, in order to head towards an European squad which would allow him to race the Giro d'Italia.
Today the news were confirmed, and the 22-year Eritrean has been officially announced in the Italian pro team. “I am truly grateful to the Reverberi family and the Bardiani CSF Faizanè team for the opportunity granted to me. Last year I had turned down a couple of offers to go pro with the Qhubeka team that had made me grow in their continental, then unfortunately everyone knows how it went," he said, referring to the disbandment of the former Qhubeka NextHash team. After a move to German continental team Bike Aid, he went on to finish fifth at the Tour of Rwanda, before wins at the African team time-trial, and road race championships - besides a second place at the individual time-trial.
His talent was evident and brought in the attention of several teams. However, a transfer came very quick, as his transfer was announced just four days after his road race win: "Even before winning the African continental title, I was contacted by the team and I found an agreement to become pro. I think I can give a lot to the team by repaying them for the trust they have received."
"I am a complete rider who can have good sprints in small groups, as I demonstrated in last Continental Championship and make good things in mixed roads. I am not a pure climber but the climb does not scare me and if I remain in a small group then I can try to win the sprints. I can’t wait to start my adventure with Bardiani CSF Faizanè," he concluded.