Przemysław Kasperkiewicz signs with AWT GreenWay

Polish rider joins Omega Pharma-Quick Step’s feeder team along with French junior champion Rayane Bouhanni.

Przemysław Kasperkiewicz has signed a one-year contract with the continental team AWT GreenWay, a development squad for Omega Pharma-Quick Step, know as Etixx until today. The team has unveiled its roster and new title sponsors during official presentation in Prague.

Kasperkiewicz, 20, is one of Poland’s most promising young riders, in 2014 racing for another Czech team – Bauknecht-Author. During the year he put his versatility on the display with 3rd overall in Carpathian Couriers Race and a victory in the opening stage of Course de la Paix U23. He also took a silver medal in U23 time trial at national championships and 4th place in elite road race, a stellar ride for the youngest rider in the bunch.

It is a step forward for me and I’m really happy to join the team. They are top professionals, it is a chance for me to develop and hopefully get some good results

– Kasperkiewicz told rowery.org, praising the Czech team for a warm welcome and great organization.

2015 roster will feature 12 riders and experiences a major shake-up, as team manager Petr Kovac brings 9 new youngsters on board. Spaniard Alvaro Cuadros and Frenchman Alexis Guerin are the only riders extending contracts and will be joined by Slovak Erik Baska, French junior national champion Rayane Bouhanni, Germans Maximilian Schachmann and Jan Brockhoff, Spaniard Ivan Garcia Cortina, Poland’s Kasperkiewicz and four Czech riders – Matej Bechyne, Jakub Novak, Michal Schlegel and Roman Lehky.

I was talking to a few teams. Before Worlds I was close to signing with another development team but the sponsor pulled out and it didn’t work. I received an offer from Etixx and I didn’t hesitate. I am really excited to be on board

– Kasperkiewicz explained.

The team changes its title sponsors but still remains a development team for Patrick Lefevere’s ProTeam. Former sponsor, Etixx, is a brand of Omega Pharma and together with rail transport’s AWT Group and Omega Pharma-Quick Step belongs to Czech billionaire Zdenek Bakala. GreenWay is a Slovakian electromobility operator, specialized in electric cars and their equipment.

With experience gained in Europe’s most important races for espoirs, Kasperkiewicz is looking forward to 2015 season and making the next step towards professional career.

The goals for 2015 remain unchanged. I want to develop and gain experience. I am motivated to work hard and I hope that it can bring me some valuable results.

picture credit: Szymon Gruchalski/Tour de Pologne