Filippo Gana e Dario David Cioni, an essential duo by now. The champion and the sports director (also trainer). The two of the Ineos Grenadiers They've been working together since 2019. Only three years, or rather three seasons, but the bond is so close that it seems like much more.
When the “National Pippo” arrived from Cioni when he was just over 22 years old, therefore the Tuscan coach saw him grow in fundamental years, Those that separate youth from the athlete, let's not say mature, but at least trained. Especially in today's times.
Well, Dario, how much has Filippo grown since 2019?
I think his growth is evident. He joined our team without even a single win and immediately managed to overcome this step. That was the first goal: to win. And then he never stopped, even reaching the World Time Trial Championships.
And in terms of numbers? Can you give us a percentage?
Numerically it is It's hard to say, the instruments that measured power have also changed compared to the previous team, so you can't give a precise numerical value. Potentially, he could be better defined on the track, but even there the materials changed. Rather, still in relation to the track, I'd say he won in the youth categories and repeated himself among the pros, and this is not a secondary factor.
Can Ganna consistently win road races as well as time trials?
He can win them, he's done it before, and he can do it again in the future. And precisely when thinking about the future, we need to see where and how these time trials will be organized. I'm thinking of the Grand Tours, excluding the World Championships, which obviously take place every year. The goal for the next few years is to win road races, whether they are stages in Grand Tours or one-day races.
And has he grown mentally? How much has he changed?
As a person he hasn't changed, Goofy is still the same. He's very focused on results, on his big goals. When he has these big goals to achieve, he's very serious and meticulous. And many times it amazes me how I manage to pursue them (even more than one) during the season. This is what sets him apart from the others. He's a character in a class of his own. He's one of the very few Italians who's recognized even by those who aren't super cycling fans. Otherwise, he's clearly become more confident in his abilities; he knows how to manage himself and the group.
He's undoubtedly grown, but sometimes he almost seems defensive, as if people don't understand how much he's doing. Like when he almost apologized for his elimination at the World Championships in Roubaix...
In Roubaix, he rode for his teammates and had given a lot during the year. He was coming off a long and demanding season. With the Olympics in between, he hadn't even had the chance to take a midseason recovery. After an Olympic gold medal, he could have called it a day, but instead he kept going. To date he is one of the very few who has been able to beat Van Aert. He went to the World Track Championships for his teammates (team pursuit, ed.) more than for himself.
What surprises you about him?
Certainly the performances he manages to put in and the ones he manages to pull out in the race. And then I'd say his approach to pursuing big goals: he's very precise, he sets a work schedule and follows it methodically. He doesn't slip up. He doesn't slip up in training or in competition.
Was there ever a time when it exceeded your expectations?
Ah – exclaims Cioni – very often! He has repeatedly been able to perform beyond expectations. This year for example the performance achieved in the world time trial championship It was the best ever. He was also strong in the Tokyo time trial. Perhaps on a more suitable course he would have achieved a better result. And another super performance was the one in the prologue of the Tour of ItalyIt was clear that he had set out to win.
You've often talked about big goals, but what about the pressure? Does Pippo suffer from it?
He's used to it, he has his own way of facing big challenges and he sticks to it. Let's remember that he's been accustomed to competing in the world track championships since he was a boy, even winning them as a teenager, so he grew up with the pressure.
What do you mean by “his method”?
That he likes to stick to his routine, The settings for the phases preceding the most important moments, especially those leading up to the race. His warm-up…
What memories do you have of the first time you saw him? And how did it change your relationship?
We've seen each other at races since before he came to Ineos. Then we spoke when he wasn't competing. As for the rest, you know, relationships are constantly changing, and when you're experiencing it from the inside, it's harder to grasp them. I can say that he's gained confidence within the team, he's more comfortable with the language, and he's respected by his teammates. He's no longer the new young rider arriving at a major team. Now he is a leader, a real leader.
Dario, how far can Ganna go?
It still has some margins, but Never set limits. You have to aim high...
