Italian rider Fausto Masnada (open in new tab) has moved from the CCC team (open in new tab) to Detunink-Quick Step (open in new tab) mid-season. The move was agreed last week, but the 26-year-old was competing in the Criterium du Dauphiné (open new tab), so the deal was put on hold until after the race.

Masnada was likely to compete in the Giro d'Italia later in the season, where he was expected to support Belgian Lemko Evenpoel until the latter crashed at Il Lombardia and broke his pelvis (open in new tab).

"I am very happy to join one of the biggest teams in the world, like Detunink-Quickstep. I want to grow here, continue to develop as a rider and achieve good results." [Joining another team in the middle of the season is not easy - you have to find your place here - but everyone has already given me a warm welcome, so it will not be a problem. I can't wait to put on the jersey for the first time at the national championships in a few days."

Deceuninck-QuickStep boss Patrick Lefevere said, "Fausto impressed on the climbs in the big races last season and convinced us with his aggressive racing style and attitude.

"We were also looking for a rider to bolster our team, which has had some bad luck in recent weeks, and we decided Fausto was the best fit.

Several riders have already announced that they will be moving on next year, as the CCC team does not have time to find a new title sponsor for 2021. Team leader Greg Van Avermaat will move to AG2R La Mondiale with Michal Shea, while Patrick Bevin will move to Israel Startup Nation. Meanwhile, Matteo Tolentin will move to UAE Team Emirates.

"With no new title sponsor in place for 2021, contract riders are free to explore other options for next season," said the former Masnada team.

"Fausto Masnada was given the opportunity to move to Detunink Quickstep mid-season and after discussions with Fausto we agreed to allow the move. We enjoy having Fausto on our team and wish him every success in his future.

Masnada, 26, was with Androni Giocattoli Cidermec before moving to CCC in early 2020. He won a stage at last year's Giro d'Italia and two stages at the Tour de l'Alps. Last week in the Dauphiné, he attacked regularly and finished third in the mountains.

Masnada is not the first rider to make a mid-season move in the UCI's August transfer market; in 2014, Rohan Dennis moved from Garmin to BMC on the eve of the Vuelta a España, while Carlos Verona (now Movistar) moved from the 2016 season moved from Etixx Quickstep to Orica Bike Exchange.