2023 will be an important year for Matteo MusketsThe Milanese sprinter has chosen to change and after 4 full seasons at Trek-Segafredo, he also accepts to be part of the new challenge of the Q36.5He arrives with high expectations, not only his own but also those of those who called him to the new team. Moschetti arrives after a season that started well, with two victories in Spain and Greece, but then didn't bring him the further joys he hoped for.
Matteo tries to look at it in a positive light: «Let's say I'd give myself a 6 and a half. It was a normal season overall, with ups and downs and that's exactly what I'm sorry about, never having managed to be consistent. However, I put aside the good that has happened."
Do you see the fact that you're joining a professional team as an advantage?
For me yes. It's true that we may not have access to some of the most important WorldTour races, but then again, I've never done a Grand Tour. I know we have a solid schedule ahead of us, and that's enough for me. We'll be competing in Italy and abroad, and there will be plenty of opportunities to do well.
You're joining an important project, regardless of the results...
I have always followed Team Qhubeka since his victory at Sanremo with Gerald Ciolek in 2013. Then it's one thing to see it from the outside, another to immerse yourself in it as it happened to me ever since Douglas Ryder He spoke to us and explained the roots of the team. I was fascinated by her inner strength, her efforts in environmental sustainability and how we too can make a difference by running.. Everything now has a broader meaning.
Ryder was very clear: you are counted on as a sprinter to win…
This was one of the reasons that convinced me to change. I know that I will finally have a team dedicated to my cause, who will work to put me in the best conditions. This is also a huge responsibility, but it's a 100-fold boost to know you have the team's trust at every level. That's probably what I missed the most, being the "lead striker."
Sajnok will be with you as another sprinter. Do you know each other?
I know he was the omnium world champion in 2018 so he's a strong guy regardless. We've faced each other often, ten times this year for example, and he's finished ahead several times. We spoke at the first team meeting, and we'll have the opportunity to delve deeper. It's clear we'll lend a helping hand every time.
Ryder had underlined that despite being an international team with 13 different countries represented, the Q36.5 has a strong Italian influence…
This is a concept that ultimately doesn't have much importance for me. Sure, having 7 Italians and 2 Ticinese will help the group in terms of speed of communication, but It was the same at Trek-Segafredo and in the end the atmosphere was international. I've already seen that he'll be in Q36.5, and I don't mind. I've always raced in international teams. The thing that has struck me most so far is that I see the same professionalism, the same wavelength as a World Tour team..
Have you picked up your bike yet?
About ten days ago, I began preparing without rushing but with great determination. I'd really like to have a good, regular year, making the most of my best form when it arrives. If I look back, I've never succeeded so far...
As a sprinter, do you differentiate between stage race victories and one-day race victories?
Good question. Personally, I don't care about it, for me a victory is a victory, which takes on greater or lesser importance depending on the context.When and where you race, your opponents, your personal form, etc. The team, however, sees it differently because they have to keep track of UCI points, and with the current rules, winning a road race gives you 4-5 times more points. It's clear that a team has to consider this. I perhaps belong to an old school: for me, all races are important...
