It all happened very quickly, almost without wanting it to. When Andrea Garosio decided to stop cycling last November, the season had just ended. The idea of leaving had been around for a while, but confirmation came after a few days: "I still had an offer from one team, but it didn't work out. And I decided it was over."
After a winter spent with his father in the family business and some indecision about what to do when he grows up, Garosio was called by the RCS Sports: they wanted it at Tour of Italy as a regulator. It was a January afternoon and the phone rang.
A hybrid figure, halfway between management and jury, who rides the bike to ensure the safety and fluidity of the race. We spoke with him to better understand this new role and what lies behind the scenes of the Giro d'Italia.
Andrea, how did you end up becoming a regulator?
They called me from RCS Sport. I was at work with my dad. At the time, I was hanging out with him a bit because I wanted to keep my connection to cycling, so I hadn't committed to anyone yet. We have a small construction company at home. I'd received a few offers, including for office jobs, but I hadn't made a decision. Barbin called me and said they'd like to talk to me. I almost couldn't believe it at first. Then they called me, I spoke directly with Mauro Vegni and Luca Papini. They explained everything to me and I jumped at the chance.. Plus I also had the third level sports director course. In short, I also met the requirements for theUCI.
How much did your past as a rider, a recent ex-rider, help you in becoming a regulator?
A lot. Having raced for many years helps: you know the dynamics, you understand the race. When you see the outline of the stage, you already know what kind of day it will be. Then, during the race, being close to the group, you know if they're accelerating, if there's wind, if it's a stressful moment. On the descent, for example, you know if it's best to ease off a bit to give them space, or if you can stay closer. In short, you're in the middle of the race. You move like a rider, even if you're on a motorbike. You understand the group's intentions and adapt.
But what does a regulator actually do?
It regulates everything related to the race vehicles. From managing photographers, who must know when they can approach the riders, to ensuring the safety of the athletes who break away, positioning relays or police for each group. Then if there is an obstacle on the ground that has not been reported, you can stand in front of the group and indicate the direction. When there's a fall, you have to direct traffic, make sure the medics and ambulance arrive. If someone comes back from a puncture or mechanical accident, you have to manage it. There are so many little things that you don't see, but they're part of everyday work.
On a technical level, how many radios are you connected to?
Two. One is ours, internal to the management. The other is the radio race, Everyone's: the team, the management, the jury. We in management have our own channel where we coordinate everything: potential dangers, decisions to be made, positioning.
Was there a difficult moment, besides yesterday's huge fall, which, however, was ultimately "easy" with the neutralization?
The Lecce circuit, for example. There were two bottlenecks, and I reported it immediately. I was in front and I even heard the complaints. If I were still a rider, I would have thought it was a dangerous point, but as a regulator you evaluate it differently. For me, the circuit was beautiful. There were some bottlenecks, but they weren't impossible to negotiate.
Is it more difficult to stay in front or behind the group?
At the front, it's more complicated because of your attention span. You have to be precise, not get in the way, and read the descent well. There's more active work. Some people attack, some close behind. At the back, however, there's more to do in general, because if someone drops, you have to follow them and secure them. But if there are no riders behind, it's calmer behind. You have more responsibility up front, especially in key moments.
But when you're behind, the riders are gone...
Only if they don't drop out. If, however, there are riders in difficulty, you have to follow them, make sure the relays are there, and see if they get back. But it's easier to manage: there are only a few of them, you know them, and they know how to move. Up front, however, you have the responsibility not to get in anyone's way, to see everything before it happens.
Andrea, as a former rider: who has impressed you so far?
Certainly PedersenHe's very strong and he surprised me especially in the Tirana time trial. Really incredible. Then I see very well Roglic: he looks fit to me. Ayuso Instead, he's hiding a lot. However, both have very strong teams. It will be a great match until the end.
Your ex-teammate Piganzoli?
I spoke to “Piga” these days, he seems calm. I think he gained a lot of confidence last year. after the Giro dell'Emilia of last year. He has good values, he's a strong rider, I really hope he has a great Giro. We're friends, we've been roommates many times, I know him well. Also Pellizzari He surprised me, especially in the time trial. It wasn't an easy race: wide roads, high pace, yet he went strong. But he has an important captain (Roglic, ed.)... we'll see. But if he goes strong in the time trial, it means he's doing well.
Let's hope for the best for both of them: two Italians up front is good for the whole movement...
Absolutely. And I'm rooting for them. I know them both, though I'm more familiar with Piga since he was often my roommate. They're young, motivated, and doing well. I sincerely hope they can make their mark.
