He claimed Aqua Blue Sport's biggest win in its near two-year existence and now Stefan Denifl is moving back up to the top tier.
Stefan Denifl lands WorldTour contract with CCC Team
Having taken Aqua Blue Sport’s biggest win, with stage victory on the Vuelta last year, Stefan Denifl has secured a place at WorldTour level for next year.
The Austrian will ride with CCC Team, the WorldTour outfit which is effectively an amalgamation of BMC Racing and Polish ProContinental outfit CCC Sprandi Polkowice.
Denifl won stage 17 of last year’s Vuelta, though that victory was not enough for the team to secure an invite back for this year.
Aqua Blue Sport would then fold in August and will not be part of the pro peloton next season.
However, Austrian rider Denifl now becomes the latest ride from the defunct team to secure a place in the WorldTour next year.
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Eddie Dunbar has already raced with Team Sky and will ride for them next year. Larry Warbasse has landed a deal with AG2R-La Mondiale.
Adam Blythe, who won the derny at the London Six Day last night, will ride with Lotto-Soudal in 2019. And Casper Pedersen will ride with Team Sunweb, alongside Irishman Nicolas Roche.
CCC Team general Manager Jim Ochowicz said he was delighted to welcome Stefan Denifl on board.
“Stefan had a breakthrough year in 2017 with a stage win at the Vuelta a España and overall win at the Tour of Austria and we believe he can reach his potential with CCC Team,” he said.
“Stefan has showed that he is capable of winning races and will be a valuable teammate at stage races and Grand Tours.
"He brings a wealth of experience to the team and will be an asset at the Ardennes classics and the hillier monuments, Milan-San Remo and Il Lombardia.
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“We are looking forward to seeing what Stefan can do next year and we are excited to welcome the first rider from Austria, which is a key market for CCC, to the team."
Stefan Denifl also won the overall at the Tour of Austria last year in the colours of his former Irish team.
Denifl's career spans 13 seasons and he said he was delighted to be continuing next year, and at WorldTour level.
"The end of Aqua Blue Sport was a big blow for all of us. I was under contract until the end of 2019 so I wasn't talking to any teams,” he said.
“The rider market that late in the season is always complicated so I am very happy to sign with CCC Team.
“When looking at the teams with openings, it was clear that CCC Team was my first choice.
“It is an international squad with strong riders, good staff and a solid structure in place, as well as an impressive new sponsor on board, and top material.
“There is not much more you can wish for as a rider. I want to get back to my 2017 level where I was able to win a race here and there.
“Besides that, I am looking forward to racing as a team and making our fans and sponsors proud.
“Although my race program isn't yet determined, the Giro d'Italia would be really cool and it is my dream to race the Tour de France one day.
“Racing at the WorldTour level means there are so many good racing opportunities so I am excited to return to this level."
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