End of season, it's time to take stock. At home Polti Visit Malta to tell the truth the analysis began some time ago, with the season still in full swing, so much so that the Italian Professional team was among the most active in the first phase of the transfer market. They also made decisions that were out of the spotlight, but which also sparked discussion.
There's a lot of meat on the fire and the team manager Iván Basso (opening together with the other owner) Alberto counter) does not hide, indeed he also faces burning issues openly, as he did when he raced and won around the world: «For us it was a season where we achieved two important objectives, one is that of maintaining the international ranking and it's more difficult every year to get into the top 30 of the ranking. The second one will still be the first Italian in the rankings with the icing on the cake of victory in the Italian Regions Cup which certainly has a meaning, especially with the youth shirt going to Piganzoli."
And what do you put on the other side of the scale?
So many placings that could have been victories. Our two fastest athletes, Lonardi and Penalver, have achieved more than 20 podium finishes. I have to see this as a positive result in terms of performance. But I want these podiums to become victories, so we have to work on finding things to improve in order to transform top-level performances into victories, take that small step that's still missing. Obviously, there's also self-criticism afterward, because we have some players on the team who should have performed better, but we're already working on that, and it's also up to those in charge, myself first and foremost, to take responsibility.
Where is this responsibility expressed?
When you have athletes, you have to make sure their individuality is part of a bigger picture where everyone contributes. So when you talk about doing better, you talk to them about something they know. Awareness is already the first pedal stroke of 2026, especially from the riders who have not performed as they should. I'm the one primarily responsible for this, so we're working on it together with the athlete, the sports directors, and the trainers to try to understand what didn't work and what needs to be changed.
You're one of the most active teams on the transfer market, and you're also signing many under-23s, who, however, will no longer be able to compete in international category competitions. This also means a lower contribution in terms of points...
The issue of points is complex and could be discussed for hours. We took six fourth-year riders, who are therefore moving up a category, and we did it because we see them as already ready to compete in the major races. It's clearly a sensitive issue that we're also discussing among the clubs, because the decision came so suddenly. We'll try to understand better and then decide what to do.
You've taken riders for the classics, riders for stage races, riders who can lend a hand...
I appreciate that this operation was seen hire riders tailored to our needs. I think we are doing an excellent transfer market even if the most prominent name is not noticed, on the contrary it is often emphasized that this name is coming out and it is PiganzoliA rider I have infinite respect for. We took him in just after he turned 18 and are leaving him with a strong personality. But I think Crescioli is an excellent successor. Let's not forget that he achieved some important results as an under-23. Let's remember that talent isn't just the juniors who are going strong. It can also be third-, fourth-, or even fifth-year players, if someone has had some problems. The history of athletes must be well knownWe need to talk to the youth teams, to the riders' families, to fully understand what's behind it. Because now, if we only look for 16- and 17-year-olds who prove they're the best in the world, we're making a grave mistake.
Are there any names in particular you feel like focusing on among the new arrivals?
For example the two twins Bessega that we had in the youth sector and who continued their growth path. Then Belletta, one of the best talents we have. I also believe that Crescioli will continue to evolve, like Lonardi, like Penalver. It's not just that we must respect talent, but we must also know how to wait. But there's more…
That?
I had to make a difficult choice because If I had the opportunity to expand the roster, I would do it without thinking twice.But it's not a question of budget, it's a question of organization. Because if you have 30 riders, you also have to go running, and we still can't have a calendar adequate for these numbers. There are fourth-fifth year riders that I would have gladly taken: Arrighetti, Bortoluzzi, OlivoRiders who, in my opinion, are worthy of trust and have not yet managed to emerge only because they have had problems.
Speaking of Belletta, do you think he needs to be rebuilt not only technically and physically, but above all psychologically, brought back a bit to his true dimension as a rider?
I met Dario Igor at my home, in my studio. I looked him in the eye, I spoke with him at length, and I don't think there's anything to rebuild. We simply need to resume our growth journey. I see where he can get to, my job will be to make him believe that he can do it too.Often, for a variety of reasons, athletes lose sight of where they want to end up. My job, along with my collaborators, is to make him believe he can get there. He's ready and just wants to get started.
