Giovanni “Marine” Visconti at Bardiani is news, because it had never happened that the leader of an Italian professional team becomes the leader of another. As between opposing parishes, one has rarely seen an exchange of charismatic figures. But Visconti was looking for a contract to sign and the leaders of the Zabù-Ktm Wines They pretended nothing was happening. At the last meeting, on November 2nd, there were no proposals. That's why when the Reverberi train passed by and it was clear that behind his back... there were sponsors willing to cover the costs, John signed. All Bardiani-Csf a reference figure was needed for the many young people on the team and so Visco accepted the challenge.
«I would have stayed with Scinto for life – he says – but the reality is that I have never received renewal proposalsI was in danger of quitting racing, and I couldn't stomach it. Obviously, when the news came out that I'd signed, someone was quick to say that they could have given me the same amount of money. I know what I'm leaving behind. I know I was the favorite son in that team., but at 37 I needed a little more certainty. San Baronto remains the place where I chose to live and where I feel very good, but work is another thing."
new life
It seems that Reverberi is excited about the Sicilian's arrival: a rider of this calibre had probably not been seen in those parts since the last Colbrelli.
«Bardiani – says Visconti – is a well-organized team, the riders lack nothing. But they lacked a leader who would unite the group of young peopleBruno Reverberi took a liking to me. I know he's a bad dog, but I can speak his language.And if I become someone who aligns the team with his philosophy, it works. They are euphoricI also spoke with the Bardians. It's like starting over and finding new motivation. In all proportions and with apologies for the comparison, Froome at Ineos was just the old Froome, while at Israel he will be the most sought-after champion. After a while you want to feel importantI want to compete with a gritty coach like Rossato.
At a minimum
It looks like anotherYou weren't there to hear him speak in the final days of the Giro, before he withdrew. The sky was black, and, given complex family issues, withdrawal was the only card left to play.
«Until three days ago – he confirms – I was angry with everyone. I thought about quittingI've been going all year with grit and determination, but lousy legs. Etna was a blow. But it seemed unfair to me not to receive offers, given everything I showed. Especially that the offers didn't come from my team. In the end, the Careras turned around, but around it was full of teams that wanted to take the riders at the minimumIf I have to race at the minimum, for the sacrifices I have to make at 37 years old in this cycling where everyone is going strong, we might as well stopBetter to aim for another role. Maybe I would have earned less, but I would also have been less tired..."
One more year
This is Visconti, take it or leave itFrom riches to rags in one night. And perhaps thinking about his relationship with Reverberi, Let's hope it gets going well straight awayBecause Bruno is an old-school mastiff and there are many riders who have disappointed him and who he has abandoned.
«In two days – says Visconti – it changed my lifeI went out for an hour for a run and barely felt the fatigue. I'll have to start again without overdoing it. Yesterday I went mushroom picking and walking. My knee is fine, but above all I needed to find some peace of mind again.In our house it goes like this: when I'm not calm, my wife also gets nervous and argues with everyone. Instead, finally a peaceful winter beginsI've always said I wanted to do another year and then evaluate. 2020 went as we know, let's try to have a good 2021. May the new bike arrive and we finally start again».
