Cunego extends deal

The 2004 Giro d'Italia winner turned down overtures from other teams to stay at the outfit whom he joined from Saeco in 2005.

The 25-year-old told the team website: "I had no doubt, I am glad to extend my contract with Lampre-Fondital, because of the trust and the reliability of the team.

"I appreciated the enthusiasm of the Galbusera family, the Niboli family and the other sponsors; I hope I can give them satisfaction," he added.

The Epstein-Barr virus ruined Cunego's first season with Lampre but in 2006 he finished on the podium in Liège-Bastogne-Liège and captured the white jersey for the best young rider at his maiden Tour de France, finishing second on the stage to L'Alpe D'Huez.