I won a trip to China? What, a trip to Chile? "Everyone started getting sick," says Consonni, "and at a certain point I had the feeling it would be my turn. In fact, the other day I received an email confirming it. In China, not in Chile. I would have liked that.». In Chile the following will take place: the track world championships in October, but Consonni won't be thereViviani will perhaps be among the old guard, while the rest will give space to the new that is advancing. It feels strange, but everyone was aware and the schedule will be respected.
How does it feel to know you're not in the World Cup group?
They cut me because I'm too old (bursts out laughing, ed.). It's strange, very strange and it's a shame, but this way we can get some fresh air.I'm not saying it started in Rio, but almost. Every year we've continued straight ahead. This is probably the first year we've had a full four-year period between one Olympics and the next, so let's see how it goes. a well-deserved rest after years of dedication.
Torn between feeling and reason?
The truth is that my heart belongs to the trackIf I had to choose between track and road, there's little doubt. The track is where I've experienced the strongest emotions, where I've always shared my time with my friends, where there's a group that's more than just a group of athletes. The regret is linked to this, for the rest it's fine like this.
Did you go filming in Montichiari any times during the year?
I went a couple of times. I was supposed to pass by there earlier in the Tour, but the track was closed for some roadworks and so the indoor preparation was a bit of a stutter. But since we're on the subject, this week I went back to training and I should make my racing debut in Aigle at the end of the monthThe track never gives up.
Your sister Chiara said she had difficulties on the road having missed many days on the track.
A few days ago I spoke with Manlio Moro, who went to the track to train ten days ago. He told me that On the one hand, he missed the idea of filming, but he didn't miss the work.. In the sense that when you spend a long time without riding, you really feel like you miss the effort and work you put in on the track.
End of season, report card time: how would you rate 2025?
A nice full eight. We have achieved the two or three objectives we had set ourselves.It's normal that if you look back, we made mistakes or left something behind. But we achieved the big goals and we are happy, the team is happy and this is important.
The biggest part revolves around the Tour: what memories does it bring back?
Like all major stage races, the Tour was a roller coaster of emotionsWe got off to a bad start, because the first stage went the way it did for a number of reasons. Then the first victory with Johnny, the ever-present green jersey, the second victory. For me personally The first two weeks were positive also in terms of sensations, recovery, and feeling while running.. Then, starting from the double crash before the second day of rest, in the last week I gave little help in the race. I was devastated and The guys were good at making up for my shortcomings and helping me even on hard days.
Moreover, the compactness of the Lidl-Trek has been underlined several times this year.
This is our sport and the strength and greatness of our group is that when someone is suffering more, the other can make up for it and help him both physically and mentally.
Meanwhile, on the one hand, the team is getting stronger and on the other, your contract, like that of Milan and Moscow, has been renewed.
In every race we started, the team was ready to pull from kilometer zero for the captain of the day. La Lidl Trek It is constantly growing, with the entry of major sponsors like Lidl a year ago and like Unbroken at the Tour. I think we are becoming one of the powerhouses of cycling And having received your trust for another two years is a source of great pride. I always consider myself a good rider, but not a rider who achieves great results, so this attention makes me very happy.
A team with several leaders, but two who stand out above the average. Are there any similarities between Pedersen and Milan?
Yes, they both want to win, this is their greatest strength and the reason why you don't see them running together much. When they leave they have only one thing in mind, that is to win. And both are taking the whole team to another level. They set no limits. Everyone notices this, the riders and the staff, and they draw strength and morale from it to improve and progress every time.
Do they become a stimulus for others?
They force you to keep up with themA bit like in the quartet, when Goofy and Johnny come forward and you just have to close your eyes and try to keep up with their rhythm.
It's a shame that Stuyven has chosen not to be part of it anymore and will go to Soudal...
Jasper leaving is a very important loss for the whole team and also for the long history they have lived together (The Belgian has been in this group for 14 seasons, ed.). These are choices. I know they left on good terms and I'm sorry because I think it all depends on a matter of spacesThere are many additions and then with Mads and Johnny who also wants to progress in the classics, I think that Stuyven's choice was – so to speak – also a bit forced. It was greeted with disappointment by everyone, however. It will certainly be a shame, personally, to face him again next year.
