“My new partner will be Enrico Cester,” Carambula told
beachmajorseries.com. “He’s a middle hitter for one of Italy’s most successful indoor volleyball clubs, Macerata. He’s not played beach volleyball before but he’s 204 cm tall, he’s got fast feet and he can jump. He’s got that killer instinct and I think after half-a-season of training he can be a real force.”
Curiously, the pair were born on the same day – March 16, 1988 – and so it’s no surprise that they are calling themselves “Gemelli Diversi,” the twins.
However, “the twins” won’t be playing together just yet as Cester has obligations to fulfil with Cucine Lube Civitanova until April.
“It’s important to acknowledge Cester’s commitments to his team, so we will have to be a little patient,” said Carambula, who was born in Uruguay and grew up in the United States. The 204-cm Cester recently took part in the FIVB Men’s Club World Championship for Cucine Lube Civitanova.
However, Carambula, known for his towering skyball service, will still be competing, as he will pair up with Gabriele Pasquale – who, at 203 cm is almost as tall as Cester – while waiting for his new teammate.
Carambula and Ranghieri enjoyed two good seasons together, qualifying for the Rio Olympics in 2016, winning two gold medals on the World Tour and a silver in the CEV European Championship, but the pair didn’t always see eye to eye.
“Me and Alex always had differences of opinion,” Carambula said, adding that the tension affected his concentration and play. But now he’s found a new partner, he’s got his mojo back.
“Thankfully I was introduced to Enrico and I was transformed,” the 29-year-old says. “Now I’m hungry.”