Aleksandr Riabushenko will become a professional cyclist with UAE Team Emirates in the 2018 season.

The twenty one-year-old Belorussian (born October 12th, 1995) currently rides with the Under 23 for U.C. Palazzago and is actually a trainee in the Emirati formation, making his debut in the Coppa Bernocchi.

The announcement of his move to the pros came a few days before Riabushenko competed in the Bergen World Championships wearing the Under23 Belorussian jersey.

UAE Team Emirates’ Team Manager, Carlo Saronni, underscored: “The decision to offer Riabushenko the chance to make the move to the professional sphere adheres to the team’s focus on continually searching for young talent.

In the Under 23 category Aleksandr has given solid performances, boosted by significant successes. He has earned a fine reputation for his reliability and helpfulness, even in his experience as a trainee with our team.”

Riabushenko had this to say: “I’m really happy with the prospect of becoming a pro and I am proud to be able to wear the UAE Team Emirates’ jersey for the next two years. During this season the team has already shown that they believe in my potential, giving me the opportunity to ride as a trainee. I’m landing in an environment that has always given young people a chance. On the team I will be in the company of great champions and a top level staff; there are all the prerequisites for me to improve constantly.”