Someone said that when pogacar He went into a rage when he learned that Trentin will be changing teams next year. Matteo doesn't know anything about it. He's made his decision and from 2024 to 2026 he'll be riding with the jersey of Tudor Pro Cycling Team where another Matteo will most likely join as sports director. A professional since 2012, Trentin's career has so far been anything but banal and with few shirt changesQuick Step in its various name changes, then Mitchelton-Scott, a year with CCC which then closed and still now the UAE Team Emirates. Why change at 34? We asked him., in the days of the Renewi Tour, the old Benelux Tour, which was first the BinckBank Tour and before that the Eneco Tour.
First thing: how's the World Cup going? In the end, nothing broken...
No, nothing was broken, but there is a hematoma on one of the bones of the hand, don't ask me the name, I don't remember it anymoreIt's there, and it will take time to reabsorb. If I'd taken a blow to my thigh, it would have reabsorbed after a week or two at most. This will last at least another month.
Does it cause you any discomfort?
Less than a week ago and much less than two weeks ago, but it still bothers. A different annoyance than having fallen again at the World Championships, but this time I even asked for it.I can't really blame anyone or anything too much. I made a move that should have been made in the final laps, if anything. If I really have to go and squeeze in somewhere, maybe it could have been done when it was worth it.But it's done now, so…
Beyond the offer, how did this idea of changing teams come about?
Actually, they contacted me very early, then time passes, there are things to do, but I liked it a lot. the project. It's not that I was looking for a change or anything like that, but I really liked the fact that they were looking for someone my age., perhaps compared to other places where a 34-year-old rider is questioned because it's not known how long he'll last. They came here precisely for my experience, for what I can give to the team and also with a significant time frame. In short, a three-year contract at this age isn't something you'll find lying around.
What do they look for in someone with your experience: someone who helps young people or who demonstrates that they can still win?
Both, but you can ask them. I think this year hasn't been great for me, both at the Tour and at the World Championships. In France, I didn't get my chances, obviously, because we were all for Tadej and I knew it from the start. So I didn't even go looking for them. But still... I saw that even though I'm 34 years old, I can stay ahead of the curve a couple of times and play my cards right.. And at the World Championships, same story. I fell, but I'm sure I would have had a great raceI don't know how to translate that into rankings, but I felt really good.
What do you like about the Tudor project?
It's a young team, with a great sponsor and a great company behind it.. Very important names and the fact that such high-profile companies are joining is a good thing for cycling in general. And then I like the very long-term vision, just see that with bmc they signed for six yearsSo long contracts and a long-term project. They're not looking to next year or the year after, they're already looking far ahead.
Have you also had contact with Cancellara?
I also spoke with Fabian, but I noticed that Every person I've dealt with has always stuck to their role.Everyone knows everything, of course, but no one steps into someone else's role. You talk about one thing with one person and another with another. everyone has their own responsibilityThere is a sectorial nature of communication, not in airtight rooms.
In your career you've changed teams very few times, but you've stayed with them for a long time: why did you decide to change teams each time?
The one I spent the least time in was Mitchelton, but not because I didn't feel comfortable in the team, on the contrary. It's the team where I felt best in terms of environment.It was a wonderful group where I achieved the best results of my career. I changed because at that time the conditions for working peacefully were no longer there. But we didn't argue, we still say goodbye. Let's say that where I'm going, I always try to integrate into the group and give my contribution as much as I can.I see it has always worked. Everyone knows that I will change teams, but I will continue to do my job at 100 percent of my professionalism.It's never happened to me, but I think it would be unwise to pay someone and not let them run just because they'll be leaving at the end of the year.
Will the classics still be among your goals?
Let's say yes, even if moving to a professional, a lot will be tied to invitations and it's pretty early to have any at certain races. Honestly, I want to win again and win well.: two more races a year and that would already be a sign that things are working. It's hard work in every race these days anyway. It's nice if you win the monument, but it doesn't mean that if you win the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad or Kuurne you struggle less..
How difficult is it for someone with ambitions to win to be in a team with a strong leader like Pogacar?
Actually not so much, because How many riders like this do you find? Tadej is above everyone else, you can't say you're better than him.
Was the decision to change also made with your wife?
We talked quite a bit at home too and then I oriented myself towards this choice. Change provides new stimuli, it's a lifestyle choice.
How is your season going now?
Now the Benelux, maybe Plouay and then all the races in Belgium and the finale in Veneto, at Pippo Pozzato's house.
