# Elia Viviani Joins Lotto Cycling Team for 2023 Season
As the classic spring season approaches, Lotto Cycling Team has bolstered its roster by signing celebrated Italian sprinter Elia Viviani to a one-year contract. Viviani shared his excitement about this new chapter, stating, “I’m very happy to extend my career with Lotto. First and foremost, I want to keep sprinting for victories, but I also want to share my experience with this young team. I’m ready to take on that role—giving my new teammates tips, whether they are sprinters or not, and helping them grow.”
Viviani comes with an impressive portfolio of achievements that include winning an Olympic gold medal in the omnium event and two world championships in the elimination race. His road cycling accolades feature five stage wins and the points classification in the Giro d’Italia, three stage victories in the Vuelta, and one in the Tour de France. Additionally, he has the titles of both Italian and European road race champion.
At 36, Viviani remains fervently dedicated to his sport, asserting, “At 36, I’m still highly motivated. I’m still a sprinter. I want to win.” He reflected on the challenges of the past year, particularly after focusing on the Olympics and track cycling, which made finding a team difficult. However, after connecting with Stéphane Heulot, the puzzle pieces of his career began to align. Viviani also humorously noted, “My wife, Elena Cecchini, actually preceded me. She raced for Lotto in 2015 and was absolutely thrilled that I would be riding for the Belgian team.”
Stéphane Heulot, the CEO of Lotto Cycling Team, expressed his enthusiasm about welcoming Viviani. “I’ve known Elia Viviani for ten years—our paths have crossed at previous teams. That’s why I’m delighted to announce his arrival and welcome him to our team. Elia brings a wealth of experience that he can share with our young riders, and at the same time, I’m convinced he still has an important role to play in the sprints.”
With Viviani’s expertise on board, Lotto Cycling Team looks forward to a promising season ahead.
