Bardiani CSF Faizanè announced the signing of Eritrean talent Henok Mulubrhan, 22, who spent the first half of the season with the BikAid team. Mulubrhan had signed a debut contract with Qhubeka-NextHash, but was forced to abandon his World Tour ambitions after the team abandoned its search for a new title sponsor in November.

Mulbran participated in Qhubeka's development program for two years, but after a winter of no prospects, he signed with the German-registered BikeAid team. Early in the season, he finished sixth overall at the Tour of Antalya and fifth overall at the Tour of Rwanda. He then won the African Continental Championships road race and finished second in the time trial.

"I am truly grateful to the Reverberi family and the Bardiani CSF Faizanè team for giving me the opportunity," Mulubrhan said in a team press release and social media video. 'My goal is to do well for the team in 2022. Hopefully, we will go into the season in good shape."

"Last year I turned down several offers to turn pro from the Qhubeka team that helped me grow up on the continent. I didn't give up because I never thought that the dream I had cultivated since childhood would disappear like this. Even before I won the African continental title, the team contacted me and we agreed that I would become a professional.

"I think I can give a lot to the team by repaying the trust they have given me. As I showed in the last Continental Championships, I am good at sprinting in small groups and I can also do well on mixed roads. He is not a pure climber, but he is not afraid of climbs and can win sprints if he stays in a small group. I can't wait for my adventure at the Bardiani CSF Faizane."

Mulbruhan said he will debut with the Italian team in May but will not compete in the Giro d'Italia. The Bardiani team will compete in the Tour of Norway in May.

Bruno Lubberberg welcomed Mulbruhan to the team, saying that his addition upholds the team's philosophy of developing young riders.

"African cycling has grown a lot in the last few years and is now on everyone's radar," said Lubelberg, referring to Biniam Girmay's victory in Gent-Wevelgem, among other outstanding results by African riders. 'Even before Henoch won the title of African Continental Champion on March 27, we were working to hire this young man. In his first month as a professional, there will be no Giro d'Italia or World Tour races for him, but he will make his debut with us in other competitions in May."