Short news roundup: Yuriy Natarov, Danilo Wyss, Gregory Rast
Aug 07 2018 05:51 am CET
Photo by ASO/Thomas MAHEUX
The news roundup of the day includes a couple of signings for the 2019 season and a rider that will retire at the end of the current season.
Astana signs Yuriy Natarov
Astana ProTeam has signed Kazakh rider Yuriy Natarov with a two-year contract. The rider will make a step to the WorldTour level in 2019.
"I am very pleased that such a great team as Astana showed its interest in me and showed confidence by offering me the first professional contract," said the rider. "I am happy to start next year as part of one of the best teams in the world. After several years in the continental teams, Astana gives me a chance to try myself on a professional level. This is my sweet dream to perform in the jersey of Astana Pro Team and now this dream come true."
Danilo Wyss inks deal with Dimension Data
The Swiss rider has signed a two-year contract with the African team. Wyss has previous experience with the BMC bikes the team will ride in 2019.
"I'm really happy to take on this new challenge," he commented. "I have been riding on BMC bikes for 11 years now and it's really nice to keep that particular story going, as BMC will also be the new bike supplier for Team Dimension Data. We will, of course, look to be successful on the road but I also really like the way in which the team supports the Qhubeka charity. I realise that I’m very lucky to be able to live my passion by being on the bike and this new opportunity means that I will be able to help others through the team, as well as through Qhubeka."
Gregory Rast announces retirement from professional cycling
The Swiss rider has announced his retirement from the sport at the end of the 2018 season. The Trek Segafredo cyclist stops his professional career at 38, though he will remain at the team in an unspecified role.
"I am happy the word is out and that everybody now knows that I will retire at the end of the season, but the season is not over yet, so I want to focus and enjoy racing for a couple of months more before I start to think about my last race," he commented. "I want to give it my all for the team, and for myself, to finish my career at the highest level possible."
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