Nicola Conci signs with Alpecin-Fenix Development Team

With the possible end of the former Gazprom-Rusvelo team, several Italian riders were left without a contract in the middle of the racing season. Nicola Conci was one of them, but has in the meantime found a home in the Alpecin-Fenix Development Team.

The 25-year old has made his World Tour debut in 2017, and was a member of Trek - Segafredo until the end of last year. Although yet to score a pro win, he's made his career as a reliable domestique in the mountainous and hilly races.

As some of his teammates, he was lucky to find a place in the Italian national team in the months after being left without a team. He's finished ninth at Per Sempre Alfredo, tenth at the Settimana Internazionale Coppi e Bartali and sixth at the Giro di Sicilia showcasing his talent on the climbs. Despite the complicated period of the year, Conci was able to find a new team. He will not be racing in the main team as it currently has the maximum allowed limit of riders - 31.

It is not the first time that the Belgian team signs a well-experienced pro into their development team - which then follow up with a promotion to the main team - as was the case of Guillaume von Keirsbulck. Besides, the team frequently uses it's riders from the development team under the denomination of Alpecin-Fenix, as it is possible to do so outside of World Tour races - a strategy that has earned the team many points and played a part in it's future promotion.