October 26, 2002 – Aitor Gonzalez looks set to join Fassa Bartolo for next season. The Spanish cyclist will leave Kelme to join the Italian team. Gonzalez·lez will be a valuable asset to Fassa Bartolo in the major tours. After making his debut in the Tour de France last season, Gonzalez·lez made a name for himself this year in the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a EspaÃ’a.

In his first ever Giro he claimed two stage wins on his way to sixth place in the final classification. Later on in the season he improved on that result in his home country by winning three stages in the Vuelta and winning the overall classification.