Carlos Verona leaves Etixx-QuickStep for ORICA-BikeExchange
Jul 30 2016 08:57 pm CET
In a surprise move, Spanish rider Carlos Verona will leave Etixx-QuickStep to spend the rest of the season and the next two years at ORICA-BikeExchange.
The two teams reached an agreement to allow the 23-year-old to make a rare move while the season is still active.
"I am really happy to join ORICA-BikeExchange and start a new chapter of my cycling career here," Verona said. "The team will help me to keep improving and become a better bike rider as I have seen them do with so many other guys."
"I live close to a few of my new teammates, and from what I see and hear, I’m sure it will be easy to become part of such a good group."
Etixx-QuickStep manager Patrick Levefere isn't quite as pleased with the move. "I had him on my team for five years and he was sick or injured a lot. We showed a lot of patience and just when he starts to perform, he leaves. I don't like those things," the Belgian said.
Verona took part in the Vuelta a España in 2014 and 2015, finishing 29th in the latter edition. This year, the Spaniard finished 43rd in his first Giro d'Italia.
