Date: 10 March 2022
Following in the footsteps of alumni Kevin Vermaerke and Sean Quinn as well as current rider Michael Garrison, Matthew Riccitello departed Lux Development Cycling Team to join Hagens Berman Axeon in 2021.
“Since I started cycling, I have been impressed with the development of riders on Axel’s team,” said Matthew. “To me, this is an essential step towards my goal of becoming a successful pro tour rider. There is no doubt in my mind that Hagens Berman Axeon is the best team for me to grow as a rider and I am super excited and honored to be a part of the program this year. I am looking forward to training, racing, and learning from the team’s riders and staff.”
Another rider that experienced the vanishing of his 2020 season, the 19-year-old relied on his strong 2019 experience to serve as the catalyst for 2021. Matthew was 2nd at the 2019 Junior National Time Trial Championships, finishing just 33 seconds behind winner and current World Tour rider Quinn Simmons. Matthew won 3 stages at the 2019 Tour of the Gila, won the youth category at Tour de l’Abitibi, and was 2nd in the best young rider category at both Grand Prix Rüebliland and Tour du Pays de Vaud.
In 2021, he edged out teammate Diogo for 4th in the youth classification at Volta ao Algarve em Bicicleta (2.Pro). At the 2021 USA Pro Nationals, Matthew finished 13th in the individual time trial and 17th in the road race.
“I consider my strengths to be in climbing and time trialing,” said Matthew. “I would like to continue growing as a bike racer, improving my skills, and working towards my goal of competing with the best stage racers in the world.”
The Hagens Berman Axeon Cycling Team earned its first win of the 2022 season at Istrian Spring Trophy after Matthew Riccitello held off his closest competitors on the fourth and final day of racing. Since the race’s inception in 1961, no U.S. rider has ever finished first in the general...
