Team NTT are delighted to confirm six contract renewals that will underpin the next phase of our team’s journey as they rebrand as Team NTT in 2020.
Exciting and in-demand South African sprinter Ryan Gibbons, who continues to progress at the very highest level, will be looking to even greater success in 2020. He impressed hugely at the Tour Down Under early on in the year and followed that up with fourth at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race. Gibbons also finished twice in the top 10 on stages at the Giro dÍtalia in 2019 to go with capturing the individual time trial title at the African Games.
Nicholas Dlamini joins Gibbons in extending his contract after the taking the step up in 2018 as a neo-pro, having ridden for our Continental team. The 24-year-old’s star continues to rise as he’s currently riding his debut Grand Tour, the Vuelta a Espana.
They’re joined by compatriot Jay Thomson who will ride for the team for an eighth season in 2020. The stalwart has been a key rider over the years with his all-round ability a huge asset both on and off the bike for the team.
Eritrean star Amanuel Ghebreighzabhier’s excellent 2019 sees him with an opportunity to build on that in 2020. Highlights have included winning his national time trial championship, top-10 GC finishes at Vuelta a Burgos and the Tour of Austria, a strong showing at the Giro d’Italia and two impressive top-10 finishes, so far, at the Vuelta a Espana.
Joining them is American Ben King who followed his break-out double-stage win at he Vuelta in 2018 with an impressive showing at the Tour of California in May. In July he rode his second ever Tour de France, one of the toughest yet, before once again tackling the Vuelta a Espana in August.
The hugely experienced Italian Enrico Gasparotto has also agreed to another year with the team. Having joined at the start of the year he’s made an immediate impression, playing a crucial role not only in his own racing ambitions but also in his role with mentoring some of the younger riders on our roster.
This announcement follows after confirmation of Michael Gogl, Max Walscheid and Carlos Barbero earlier this week.
In Enrico, Jay and Ben we have slightly older heads who are going to continue to provide not only versatility and solidity to our group but also showcase that one of the true strengths of this team is its diversity. Those all come together with the common goals of performing to the utmost of our abilities on the bike while at the same time changing lives together with the Qhubeka charity.
Douglas Ryder
Enrico Gasparotto
Ryan Gibbons
Nicholas Dlamini
Jay Thomson
Ben King
Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier
