Transfer Talk: Ivan Santaromita Joins Orica GreenEDGE

Ivan Santaromita, a photo by Petit Brun on Flickr.

Orica GreenEDGE have made no secret of their plan to develop more of a climbing and GC element to their squad. They would have loved to bring Australian Richie Porte to the team but he chose to stay with Sky Procycling where he is the planned leader for the 2014 Giro. It’s unlikely they can find a legitimate GC rider for the 2014 season but they definitely can add to their limited stable of climbers, giving them more options to work with and building a strong support unit for a GC rider when they find one. Ivan Santaromita, 29, is the reigning Italian Champion. The course had a mountain top finish and winning it was the highlight of his career to date. He has largely functioned as a support climber but he has done quite well when allowed to ride his own race. With Orica GreenEDGE he should take on a role similar to that enjoyed by Pieter Weening and Simon Clark, both riders are not only free to attack in the mountains and hills but positively encouraged to do so. They may also combine their climbing talents in a race to ride for the GC. Entering a race with those three, Cameron Meyer, Michael Albasini, Simon Gerrans and Luke Durbridge would give them a strong and versatile unit capable of supporting a rider in a lesser stage race. Adding Santaromita doesn’t really give the Australian team the GC presence they desire, but it’s a step in the right direction. It will be interesting to see if they can add more climbing talent in the weeks to come.

Follow @oglalakev