Moscon was also there yesterday on the return flight from Kazakhstan to Spain and in his suitcase, in addition to the amazement for the never seen before scenarios, Gianni carried a load of a whole new, fresh, light enthusiasm. After 2021 of the spring victories, of the Giro run in great support of Bernal and Roubaix got out of hand unfortunately and maybe for some technical errorsTrentino has turned a new leaf. You can tell by many signs. From the tone of voice. From the speed with which he responds to messages. From the fact that he stepped out of a cone of light that wasn't his own.We're starting over, and not from scratch. And Velasco is right when he says he feels like he's back in the Zalf team they raced in together.
«Six years in the group Ineos it's a lot of stuff – says Moscon – but I don't feel nostalgic at all. A cycle is coming to an end. I'm staying in touch with friends; it's not goodbye. The atmosphere is still that of cycling. But I'm experiencing a lot of positive feelings in my new team. It really feels like the spirit of when we were amateurs, the enthusiasm when everything seems new to you.I think Astana is more my cup of tea, a family atmosphere. The strong Italian presence makes the difference. And I see in everyone the desire to return to being a great team».
A challenging journey
The journey was challenging, as Velasco saidA six-hour flight from Frankfurt, saving five hours of time. They disembarked at four in the morning, went to bed late the second night, and their return flight was at dawn. They slept for no more than two hours, making up for it on the plane if necessary. At three o'clock yesterday afternoon they arrived in Spain and went out for a bike ride., to resist the temptation to fall asleep.
How does it feel to be on a team where Italian is spoken?
Very nice, it is an added value that makes you feel at home. That's what I was looking for.
Could it have been changed earlier?
It was right to do six years, which for various reasons were profitable. But the time had come for a change, to get back into the game with a team that wants to redeem itself. They'd always wanted me, we'd already talked about it before. But when they approached me this year, they were really determined and proposed a great project. I found an environment where They believe in me 100 percent and it's motivating compared to when this trust wasn't at its maximum anymore..
Did the crashes in Roubaix hurt your morale or your body more?
I haven't suffered anything mentally or physically (laughs, ed.). However, I am coming out of a positive season.With three wins, I'm back to my normal level after two very difficult years. 2020 was a black hole. Too bad about the broken scaphoid in Kuurne in March, it would have been an even better season. It was important to have a good year and it gave me a lot of confidence.
When did you decide on Astana?
It may have been mid-August, but it didn't distract me or give me any other motivation. I run first and foremost for myself, to give my best, regardless of the jersey I wear.And in any case, Ineos has always been fair to me, it was right to give my all until the end.
How did the negotiation go?
Lombardi took care of it, who he updated me step by step. When we then made the decision, I was I spoke with Vinokourov and Martinelli and at the end of September I signed the contract.
What can Martinelli give you?
Safety, experience and confidence, which is very important for the rider to give his bestI'm noticing one very positive thing, and that is that They follow us step by step even in trainingIf something needs fixing, they point it out to you in real time, and that's the secret to success. If, on the other hand, you're given a program and have to follow it yourself, it can happen that you move away from the line and arrive in a hurry and you don't go as you should.
What do you think of the group of riders?
Young riders and experienced, a nice mix, with Vincenzo (Nibali, ed.) who is a reference for everyoneI have a great relationship with him; we've known each other for several years. A friendship born through cycling, I've always had a lot of respect for him. Training with him, for me who grew up watching his exploits, is priceless....
Be careful how you speak, he might think you're telling him he's old…
It's not that (laughs, ed.), the fact is that he has always won a lotWhen I was a junior, he had already won the Vuelta. In my first year as an under-23, he won the Giro. It has always been a reference.
Who do you share a room with on retreat?
With Leonardo Basso, That is another added value for the teamHe knows his job and is a friend off the bike.
Do you already have an idea for a program or races you'd like to do?
We will discuss it here in Spain. I would say absolutely. the classics and then one or two laps supporting the leader and thinking about the stages. But everything is in the launch phase. I started riding the new bike a couple of weeks ago and we'll take the opportunity to get the measurements right here.Everything needs to be set up to be ready to race at the start of the year.
