We often talk about an amateurism that, like it or not, is increasingly professional in the truest sense of the word. The Continentals have raised the bar, there's no denying it. But there are also those, and it is the majority of the teams, who continue to live in the elite-U23 category by being completely… elite-U23. It doesn't sound good, but you get the idea. Think, for example, of Sissio Team.
The company from Pastrengo, in the Verona area, was a bit like "Cinderella" last Giro d'Italia U23It was the smallest team in terms of budget and resonance. Like David among so many Goliaths. And in these contexts, running is doubly difficult, especially for young people. Marco Toffali, team manager, but we could say factotum of Sissio, opened the doors for us.
Marco, Sissio Team, a small team competing against much better-equipped clubs: how do you do it?
With passion and hard work. She's acting like an ant. You save here, there, above and below and in the end with the help of sponsors you manage to make ends meet and move forward.
Do you have half the budget of the major teams in the category?
Half? Much less. The most famous teams earn a million euros or so, my team earns 100.000 euros. But precisely because I do everything myself. Of course, I don't give the guys a salary, but a small reimbursement at the end of the month. I don't have a specific budget for bonuses and salaries like some teams.
So business first?
Exactly, first we think about doing the races and doing them as best we can. I'm looking for guys who have great willpower, who are hungry, and who have been instilled in them by the coaches they've had before. And then maybe thanks to my help a Martin Nessler of the situation. He had been rejected by the Cycling Team Friuli, he came with me and next season he will go to #inEmiliaRomagna (now continental, ed.), which will have a practically professional calendar. I have this from reliable sources. They will also race abroad.
How do you recruit the guys?
I'm taking a step back. The problem of our movement, in my opinion, is the continentals. And it's a problem that arises fromUCI and FCI that follows him. A junior wants to go to a continental, but to get there he needs to have at least 10 points. But excluding those 5-6 kids who have them, Finding a good junior who has some points to bring him into an under-23 team like ours is a lottery.
Did you get any?
I've taken three for 2023, but it's so hard... Not to mention that they're busy with school and exams until June-July. So you're getting them on and off. The only thing you can do is introduce them to the working methods that the category requires. And this is a problem that today has a huge impact on the transition of kids to the under-23s, where they want everything and in a hurry. This year many juniors are staying homeWe are about fifty teams, on average each one takes a couple, that's it at least 150 kids quitAnd many of these, who perhaps are "decent" and have a minimum number of points, can't even make it to their third year as juniors.
So what could the solution be?
Remove continentals from this category. Continentals are the first level of professionalism. If you do it, it's because you have a minimum budget and you should. do as Stefano Giuliani (of the Giotti Victoria Savini Two, ed.) and run pro races, leaving room for those who are truly amateurs. This way, among other things, they flatter the kids, who are attracted by being pro and doing certain races and want to go with them. Only to then get beaten up. In my opinion, they've killed the U23 category. Let's take a Richard Lucca. A good player like him almost quit. He's passing away this year at 25 years old (at the Bardiani Csf Faizanè, ed.), but with enormous help from his agent, fondryest, and other knowledge. We should return to the system of first- and second-tier amateurs. That way, everyone was taken into consideration. Instead, for 4-5 phenomena who won the Grand Tours at 22 years old, everything changed. The pro teams want the juniors. I would instead introduce two mandatory years of under-23s.
Let's get back to your Sissio. This year you went to the Giro: was it a great achievement?
Right. And I have to thank you very much Marco Selleri who believed in us and gave us this opportunityWe had been growing for two years. The satisfaction was getting five out of five boys to the end. Finally, a special thanks goes to our sponsors. Knowing about this great opportunity, by raising €500 here and €500 there, we've put together an extra budget to tackle this adventure. They love this sport, just like me.
How many vehicles do you have?
Four. A long-wheelbase van divided into two sections: the front is the masseurs' area, with a washing machine, a small bed, and a refrigerator... and the back is the mechanics' area, the larger section, for bikes, materials, and tools. Then a second six-seater van and two flagships.
How many races did you manage to do this year?
Seventy, the record. The boys were eager to race, and we succeeded. We usually finished with 50-55 races.
How many players does Sissio Team have on its roster?
Eleven, but next year there will be ten. Costs are increasing, but I want to look after the ones I have as best I can, giving them what they need: a good bike, wheels for racing, all the clothing…
Who follows them, do they have a trainer?
No, I do everything myself, from the gym to bike rides. As I said, this is how I can keep the team going. Over time, I've built a little house: 130 square meters with 15 beds. To get something out of them, I'm always on their backs, meaning I call them, I watch them train, I talk to them... because that's the only way, through hard work and direct supervision, they get results. Otherwise, if you delegate, you get half the reward.
