Ukrainian champion Andrii Ponomar joins Arkea-Samsic - "I think I will be able to get podium places and also win races"

Andrii Ponomar has signed a contract with Arkéa-Samsic and is ready to make his WorldTour debut next season. He comes from Drone Hopper-Androni Giocattoli.

“Signing for the Arkéa-Samsic team is a great moment for me because I am joining a UCI WorldTour formation,” Ponomar said. He continues, “This will indeed give me the opportunity, from 2023, to discover some of the major races on the professional calendar. I will probably ride races at a lower level next season, but I do think I will be able to get podium places and also win races."

Team manager Emmanuel Hubert explains his reasoning for choosing the Ukrainian youngster. “Andrii Ponomar is one of the hopefuls of professional cycling. He has already distinguished himself in Brittany, notably on the Center Morbihan Trophy, winning a stage during the 2019 edition. he was also crowned European champion in this age category. In addition to his great potential as a rider, he is also a very beautiful and powerful person," concluded Hubert.

This year Ponomar's story has gained further notoriety as his home city of Chernihiv was for weeks at the center of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Although in a safer position at the moment, the 20-year continues the carry the flag of the European nation.