Fidanza joins Laboral Kutxa for 2025-26 as team’s first new signing

Arianna Fidanza

Italian rider Arianna Fidanza has been announced as the first new addition to the Laboral Kutxa-Euskadi Foundation team, marking the beginning of the team’s signings for 2025 and 2026. With over a decade of professional experience, most recently in the UCI Women’s WorldTour, Fidanza is set to bring her proven strength in classics and sprint finishes to the Basque outfit. The 29-year-old, originally from Bergamo, will join a team that places a strong emphasis on both regional talent and international competitiveness.

The move comes after Fidanza’s solid performance over the past few seasons. In 2024, she took fourth place in the Classic of Almeria and fifth in the CV Tour, while last year, she claimed the Women Cycling Pro Costa de Almeria, demonstrating her knack for one-day races. She sees this new chapter with Laboral as an ideal environment to grow further. Reflecting on the decision, she stated, “I am sure that signing Laboral Kutxa is a great opportunity. It is a team that is constantly growing at the highest level, and being part of this journey means a lot to me. It gives me the opportunity to show my true level in an environment where I have confidence and protection.”

Fidanza also expressed a clear goal to contribute actively to the team’s success and enjoy the process: “My main goal is to work hard and try to improve, as always. I also want to find a good atmosphere, enjoy racing with the team. That was what I missed this year, and that’s why I chose to join Laboral Kutxa.”

Arianna Fidanza
Arianna Fidanza

Hailing from a family of accomplished cyclists – her father Giovanni won stages in both the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France, and her mother Nadia Baldi also competed professionally – Fidanza was immersed in cycling from a young age. Early success on the track saw her win a junior world title, along with two European titles and seven Italian championships. Her transition to the road brought three UCI race wins, including her standout performance at Almeria in 2023.

Laboral Kutxa sports manager Ion Lazkano highlighted Fidanza’s potential impact within the squad, describing her as “a first-class cyclist, very strong, and she adapts very well on short slopes,” noting her capability to deliver results in both classics and sprints. “We expect her to be a reference for the team, especially in the classics and in group sprints,” he added.

Laboral Kutxa-Euskadi Foundation has committed to building a balanced team of Basque talent while remaining open to international signings to strengthen its roster for 2025, which now includes 11 riders, among them Naia Amondarain, Usoa Ostolaza, and Ane Santesteban, alongside new signing Fidanza.