When you're 30 you can't really be considered "old", but in today's cycling where everything is consumed at 100 miles an hour, anyone who reaches that age is certainly an expert, especially if they have been involved in the professional sport for years. This reasoning is the basis of Mirko's move. Masters laid down by the Bardiani to the Eolo-KometaThe Guastalla rider changes teams and, perhaps, skin for the umpteenth time.
The news of the move was announced while Maestri was still on vacation, enjoying a few well-deserved days of rest in Fuerteventura with his family. He was found as soon as he returned to Italy, and you could hear from his voice that this new adventure fascinates him: "I could have even ended my career at Bardiani, I was there for 6 years and it's an ideal environment, but this opportunity full of new stimuli presented itself to me and I certainly couldn't refuse it., also because it guarantees me a greater international image".
Let's start with your 2021, a busy season that, all things considered, with two wins and a second place, certainly wasn't one to throw away...
It's been a positive year. I know the victories I've achieved haven't been in top-tier races, of course. I would have liked to have done better when I was able to compete in more competitive events, but anyway, I showed that I was there.
Was it also due to the environment you lived in?
Bardiani is certainly a family environment, which helps you grow. Now he wants to focus on the Under 23s, something different will come out of itHowever, I've remained on excellent terms with the entire group, which couldn't be otherwise after so long. Eolo-Kometa is different; it's already focused on the World Tour, and this is reflected in the calendar.
Have you already talked about what they want from you?
Very briefly, but It makes me happy that they were the ones who looked for me.We will draw up the program during the retreat from December 9th to 21st, both for training and for the calendar to follow. Obviously, the work with the coaches will be based on the latter.
You've been coming to Bardiani for six years: no one better than you can outline what it means to work with Reverberi...
Bruno is a great person: He seems gruff, but it's just his way of conveying his infinite passion for cycling and affection for his boysHe wants them to grow in the right way, to follow the advice of those who have been in this world for so long. He's someone who carefully considers every aspect and, rightly, when managing a team, demands appropriate behavior, sacrifice, and hard work. I can say the same thing about Roberto; moreover, I've learned that he's someone who knows how to read the races very well.
At Eolo you join Stefano Zanatta, with whom you already worked at Bardiani.
I don't deny that it was one of the reasons that pushed me to change, and I also know that he did his part to make me get there. I joined him in 2016, he was also a beginner, we grew together in our respective rolesI like his way of working, he's precise and meticulous, he always manages to instill calm and give you the right advice, not only from a tactical perspective, but also in potentially dangerous situations.
With your years in the pro world, you'll be one of the most experienced on the team. Do you think that's what they'll ask of you?
It's possible, and I'm available. Even though I haven't done the Giro d'Italia in the last two years, for example, I still have four in my bag of experience, which must mean something. I will certainly be able to help read the races, know when and how to enter the breakaways but I am also available to lead the sprints, if necessary.What matters is repaying their trust and being ready when the right opportunity arises.
Looking back, what memory comes to mind when thinking about the six years you spent at Bardiani?
The races in Belgium. Coming from experience primarily in small stage races, I found myself thrust into a different world. I especially remember the first Ghent-Wevelgem, the fans, the fatigue, the withdrawal, Reverberi's words: "See what that means? This is real cycling. You'll see, next time you'll know what you're getting into and things will go better.". It's true, because that was the immersion in real cycling.
