Stradalli-Safetti, US based pro men’s criterium team, has granted
Ruben Companioni a release from his contract to join Jamis Professional Cycling
Team for the 2016 season.
Companioni was under contract for 2016 but Stradalli-Safetti
decided for Companioni’s career, the best thing would be a change of focus. There
was interest in Companioni joining the newly formed Stradalli-Bike Aid Germany Continental cycling team but the level of racing in Europe is a huge step up, not
necessarily the step up Companioni is looking for at this time.
Stradalli Cycle CEO Tom Steinbacher said Companioni is still and always
will be a part of the Stradalli family, but Jamis was the better fit for him
for 2016 and wanted him to race road not just
criteriums. “Ruben is a great criterium racer, but he is an even
better road racer. He has been great for our team, but I want him to be in the
best possible situation for next year.
Stradalli Cycle currently sponsors several teams around the world
including a European Continental Team, a United States Professional Criterium
Team, a Women’s Domestic Elite Team (with Papa John’s), and a junior
development team(Wizard Racing Development Team). Stradalli Cycle uses all its
avenues to develop riders and bring them to the next level which is what
attracted them to Bike Aid in the first place.
Bike Aid most recently brought African rider Mekseb Debesay into
the international scene and helped him to elevate his career. It was recently
announced that Debesay will move on to Team Dimension Data to ride along side
Mark Cavendish in the UCI World Tour. Stradalli-Bike Aid has two U23 stagiaire
roles left to fill for 2016.
Stradalli-Safetti will continue its focus on United States criterium
racing in 2016 while Stradalli-Bike Aid will compete at the top level road races
in Europe. For Companioni, a United States based road racing team will allow
him to continue his progress and will allow him to stay close to family as
well.
“Stradalli is my family and without them I wouldn’t have all these
wonderful kinds of opportunities. I also have my family here in Miami to care
for first and foremost. With Jamis I can travel to the biggest races and have
the best opportunities, but still be close to home and my friends.” Companioni
said.
“Stradalli-Safetti is all about opportunity and giving young
racers the chance to reach their dreams. We keep a tight family here because
that is the best environment for racers to develop. Ruben had great success
with us and he will have great success with Jamis. Now another up and coming racer
will have the opportunity to race for Stradalli-Safetti. In a year or so, if
Ruben keeps developing the way he has, then maybe we will talk about bringing
him to our European team. For now, we wish him the best of luck in 2016 and
always will stay in close contact.” Steinbacher said.
