Ireland’s new Aqua Blue Sport professional cycling team has announced a further seven riders to join for the 2017 season.
Earlier this month, former World Track champion Martyn Irvine announced he was coming out of retirement to join the Professional Continental team alongside Matt Brammeier and Conor Dunne.
And seven more riders were confirmed today, with former Swiss World Tour team IAM Cycling teammates Stefan Denifl and Leigh Howard amongst them.
“We have to grow and fight as a team and success will come with that” - Stefan Denifl
They will be joined by Dutchmen Michel Kreder (29) and Peter Koning (25), New Zealander Aaron Gate (25), Australian Calvin Watson (23) and Dane Lasse Norman Hansen (24).
Having turned professional ten years ago and placing fourth in the mountains classification of the 2016 Giro d’Italia, Austrian Denifl (29) will bring experience of Grand Tour high mountain battles to the team.
The seasoned pro said: “We have to grow and fight as a team and success will come with that.
“Personally I am looking forward to a good preparation for 2017 and a year where I will be at my best. I am highly motivated to achieve my goals and the team’s goals, on and off the bike.”
The chance to be involved in Aqua Blue Sport from inception was something which also held great appeal.
Denifl continued: “From first contact onwards, the people behind this team have shown great motivation, professionalism and a new vision for a cycling team.
“I feel that Aqua Blue Sport believes in me as a rider and as a person, and this is the environment that I want for my future development.”
