2020 Isle of Man Gran Fondo Champion Mark Christian is moving up into the pro cycling world, shifting from gran fondo events to UCI WorldTour pro racing in 2021 with Tour de France Champion Alberto Contador’s new team.

After a strong performance at Gran Fondo IOM, Christian has been offered a slot on the Eolo-Kometa professional team based out of Italy.  The team is owned by Contador and ex-pro Ivan Basso with Contador’s brother Fran running day-to-day operations.

Christian told cyclismactu.net, “I Immediately agreed to sign. Having the possibility of racing some of the most important races in the world is a huge opportunity. I can’t wait to help EOLO-KOMETA achieve its goals.” 

With 13 riders, primarily Italian and Spanish, confirmed on the team for 2021, Christian, who lives on the Isle of Man, will be one of two British riders with John Archibald the second.

Gran Fondo Isle of Man is also moving up in 2021, joining the UCI Gran Fondo World Series on 1 August as a qualifying event for the UCI Gran Fondo World Championships to be held in Bosnia-Herzegovina in September.

Worldwide Gran Fondo and Gravel Fondo Calendar