Published on : 09/14/2023
The 25-year-old Italian rider has signed up for the next two seasons with Cofidis. He has been with Alpecin-Fenix since 2022, and presents himself as a versatile rider capable of helping the team in both one-day races and major Tours. A stage winner at last year's Giro, he dreams of repeating the feat under his new colors.
There's an air of excitement and enthusiasm about Stefano Oldani. At the age of 25, the Italian rider is looking forward to starting a new story with the Cofidis team and continuing to progress. He grew up dreaming of the exploits of the riders who challenged each other every year at Milan-San Remo. "It was the race I watched every year with the desire to be part of it one day".
A prestigious Giro victory
Over the years, he has proved himself to be a versatile skipper. At ease on medium-mountain profiles and a rogue at times, Stefano is particularly fond of the classics. He has his sights set on the Ardennes and, of course, Milan-San Remo, the race of his heart. Last season, the Italian distinguished himself by winning the longest stage of the Giro (204 km to Genoa), his first professional victory.
To get his Cofidis experience off to the best possible start, the rider, who had studied French during his studies, is gradually getting back into it. It's a way of ensuring that no detail is overlooked before his arrival.
THEY SAID
Stefano Oldani: "I'm delighted to be joining Cofidis. It's a historic team in the peloton and I have no doubt that it has a solid structure as a UCI World Tour team. I can't wait to get started with the team and I'm proud that the team and the staff trust me to give it my all. I've known Roberto (Damiani, directeur sportif) since I was a kid and I'm very happy to be working with him. I want to set myself high goals right from the start. I can't wait for the training camp and the start of the season!
Cédric Vasseur, general manager: "Stefano's arrival is great news for the Cofidis team. He's a great professional. His experience and sporting qualities will help us to continue our progression at the highest level. We've been following his career and his progress for several years. He belongs to a category of riders that we've been lacking in our squad. He's about to enter his prime and we have great ambitions together. He'll be an important man in our classics group, but also in our quest for stage wins in the big Tours!"