Lotto Cycling Team has confirmed the signing of Elia Viviani on a one-year contract, bringing the experienced Italian sprinter into their ranks just ahead of the spring classics. The 36-year-old, who was left without a team after his departure from INEOS Grenadiers, is eager to prove himself once again on the road while also mentoring Lotto’s younger riders.
“I’m very happy to continue my career with Lotto,” Viviani said. “First and foremost, I still want to win sprints, but I also want to share my experience with this young team. Whether they are sprinters or not, I want to help them develop and grow.”
A career of success on road and track
Viviani’s palmarès speaks for itself. With 89 career victories, including stage wins in all three Grand Tours, he was once one of the most prolific sprinters in the peloton. His best season came in 2018 when he dominated the Giro d’Italia, taking four stage wins and securing the points classification. That same year, he also won 18 races for Patrick Lefevere’s Soudal-Quick Step squad, before adding another 11 in 2019, including his only Tour de France stage win.
While his road results have dipped in recent years, his track cycling career has remained stellar. Viviani won Olympic gold in the omnium in 2016 and added a silver in the Madison at the 2024 Olympics, alongside two world titles in the elimination race. However, his heavy focus on the track last season left him struggling to secure a contract for 2025.
“After focusing on the Olympics and track cycling last summer, it was tough to find a team,” he admitted. “I hadn’t been able to prove myself on the road. But then, Stéphane (general manager Heulot) heard about my situation, and the puzzle pieces finally came together.”
Lotto’s hopes for a Viviani resurgence
Despite his track record, Viviani has not won a road race since October 2023, and his last Grand Tour appearance was in the 2021 Giro d’Italia. Lotto is banking on his experience and talent to help their sprint train, even if he is no longer the dominant force he once was.
Stéphane Heulot, CEO of Lotto Cycling Team, is confident the Italian can still deliver. “I’ve known Elia Viviani for ten years—our paths have crossed in previous teams. That’s why I’m delighted to welcome him. Elia brings a wealth of experience that he can pass on to our young riders, and I’m convinced he still has an important role to play in sprints.”
Viviani’s move to Lotto also comes with a personal connection. His wife, Elena Cecchini, previously raced for the Belgian squad in 2015. “She was absolutely thrilled when I told her,” he laughed.
Lotto will be hoping the Italian’s experience can guide their young riders while also helping him rediscover his sprinting legs. For Viviani, it’s a chance to extend his career and, if all goes well, get back to doing what he does best—winning bike races.
