Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux further strengthen its squad for 2022 with the signing of Hungarian rider Barnabás Peák. The 23 year old powerful allround rider living in Girona (Spain) will start his third season in the World Tour.
The promising rider of Hungarian cycling became national Elite champion in both time trial and road race at the age of 20 years old. His performances opened doors to the World Tour, with first footsteps as a trainee. In the following season, he won a stage in the Tour de Normandie by resisting to the return of the peloton and he finished 15th in the final classification of the Tour de l’Avenir.
In 2020 he signed a two year contract with BikeExchange after another successful spell as a trainee, adding a second national title against the clock in the season disturbed by the Covid pandemic. In July this year, he showed his speed in a stage of the Settimana Coppi and Bartali by finishing second behind Pascal Ackermann.
Next May, the cycling world will have its sights set on Budapest, the birthplace of the young Hungarian, which will host the start of the Giro d’Italia in Heroes’ Square. Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux will start the second Giro in its history with three stages in the Magyar country.
« The opportunity to join Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux was very attractive, because of the team's international stature, the composition with riders of different nationalities, mixed with the traditional Belgian cycling values. I already had the opportunity to make a first impression of my new environment and I especially noticed the family atmosphere and the professionalism. I know the team goals and I am determined to contribute as much as I can to achieve them. In my case, this will often be as a part of the sprint train, a role which should suit me well. With the help of the performance team I'd like to progress in this role as well as in all time trial and aero disciplines, because I love meticulous preparatory work. By working hard, I hope to achieve my dream to take part in the next Giro. Not only because this would be my first Grand Tour, but also because it starts in Budapest, the city I know so well! »
« For next season we've got a clear strategy with our sprinters, so we're pleased that thanks to Barnabás Peák we found a rider who fits perfectly in our lead-out trains. The previous two years in the World Tour weren't always easy for him, but we're convinced that in our team he can become a strong and stable part of the sprint trains. His big engine and the results in his first U23 years were very promising, so he showed that he has the potential to make a next step in his career. Our performance staff will help Barnabás to fulfill his desire to progress. »
