DENIA (Spain) – It's Giulio Ciccone's turn to open the bici.PRO year, and we hope it bodes well for him and all Italian riders. The Abruzzese of the Lidl Trek He immediately seemed focused and determined based on what we were able to observe. That is to say: before going out on his bike he had asked the very expert mechanic Joseph Archetti the saddle height, but then he wanted to check it out for himself and ended up having it lowered by a millimeter and a half. A height that can only be achieved with the super-precise tools of WorldTour mechanics.
With Giulio, we talk about his 2025 and, above all, what's to come. Because, apparently, 2026 could be a turning point. Perhaps the definitive one in which Ciccone will say no to the general classification in the Grand Tours. Despite everything, he'll make two. The conversation, therefore, is already quite intriguing.
Giulio, how do we archive 2025?
Like a positive season. Obviously with some ups and downs, but let's say that the downs were few. The biggest was the fall to Tour of Italy and for this reason alone I was unable to close the circle of the result. Apart from that, in all the other races I managed to do more or less what I wanted.
There's a quote of yours that struck us: "In the Grand Tours, there comes a day when my body can't recover." What does this realization mean? Does it finally close the chapter on Grand Tour rankings for you?
That's more or less it. But first I want to tell the truth about the Giro d'Italia. This year I'm a bit pissed off because I've been... knocked out by a fall in Gorizia, stupid by the way. Once again, bad luck, something I can't control, stopped me. I had been going through my best condition ever for a few weeks.I was coming from the podium to Liège-Bastogne-Liège, from victory to Tour of the Alps And at the Giro, too, I was going in the right direction. I'd overcome the time trial obstacle. In short, going out like that burned me, and I really wanted to see how it would go.
Understandable…
I said that sentence during the Return, when I was coming off a high for several weeks. I'd been pushing myself too hard all summer, between Burgos and San Sebastian. During the Vuelta the moment came when I felt the down. In a Grand Tour, unless it's the first event of the season, my body isn't designed to sustain that level of performance for three weeks. It's just my nature. There are riders who thrive in the three weeks, but I have to be at my best and fresh for that event. If I'm not, I feel a bit down.
This year, the team boasts even more stars, especially the arrival of Juan Ayuso. How does that change the balance?
Every year the structure becomes bigger and bigger. Now we are truly one of the strongest and most complete teams, so it is normal to have so many riders and so many leaders. In my case, however, the situation is quite simple.
Why?
Why By taking myself out of the discussion of the general classification, especially in the Grand Tours, I make everything easier. I will give my support and at the same time I will have my opportunities: stages, week-long races or one-day races. In some races, like the Tour de FranceI already know that my role will be to support Ayuso. In the Ardennes, however, we'll start with two leadership options. This has happened in the past, and almost all teams now start with two captains. From this perspective, I'm comfortable.
And you can feel it…
Also because I no longer have to think about the general classification and can live it with more serenity. I don't have the stress of being the leader who has to think about the whole groupThe leader isn't just the one in the race, but also has to manage many internal dynamics within the team. Not to mention being there at the front, improving every day, even when he could drop back or fall behind. This matters a lot.
Speaking of the group: you were among those who welcomed Ayuso the most, along with Pedersen. Did you help him settle in?
Yes, it's true. I've always had a good relationship with Juan. When I saw the news of his arrival, I was immediately happy; I didn't feel annoyed. I immediately supported the team's idea. With my new program, it's even better. I think Ayuso needs strong teammates to support him in his project of winning a Grand Tour And I made myself available. This doesn't mean I'm downsizing or stepping back: I've simply shifted my goals to other races, while still supporting the team.
Will this new program also affect preparation?
Something is definitely changing, especially in the run-up to the Giro and in the first part of the season. Previously, the calendar was set around the Giro d'Italia, moving from Tour of the Alps. This year, however, I have the opportunity to do the entire Ardennes. The approach will change, and maybe some changes in training, but overall my approach will remain the same. I don't want to overturn the system.
Why?
Because last year I arrived at the Giro d'Italia with the condition I wantedLike I said, my best ever. And I'd like to get there again this year.
Young riders group: who could be the surprise?
Albert Phillipsen Ciccone says without hesitation. “This year, she'll make a big step forward. She already showed at the end of last season that she was there. If she works well, without pressure, she'll make another big step forward. During these days of training camp, I also noticed Devo. We have a lot of interesting young players.”
Let's talk about the 2026 Giro: is there a stage that intrigues you?
There is more than one. Definitely Abruzzo: for an Abruzzese it is always special. Then we head back to the Blockhaus. To be honest, I don't have any great memories there. Every time we've been there, I've always gotten a good beating, so there's no point in making any plans. But I won't deny that running close to home boosts your motivation.
Before going out for training we saw you working on the bike: did you make any adjustments?
I'm working in exactly the same position I finished last season. That millimeter you saw that morning was just a check on the new bike. I always double check the measurements and want it to be as perfect as the one at home. I've already had my fair share of problems with the saddle so I'm treading carefully.
And what can you tell us about the new Bontrager wheels with a high profile and wide channel?
They seem like a good step forward to me. I had great feelings and they seem definitely faster.
