It's one of the most important stages of the transfer market for us Italians: that of Alberto Dainese from Tudor Pro Cycling Team to the Soudal–Quick-Step. The Venetian sprinter is now a sure thing, and joining a team that makes classics and stages its main goal is no small feat. Especially when that team is a truly elite force like Soudal–Quick-Step.
A few days ago Dainese flew to Turnhout, Belgium, to the Soudal research and development headquarters, for a three-day meeting as is customary nowadays. Here he met his new teammates, as well as the coaches and staff. We asked him about his first impressions, and the magic word immediately emerged: Wolfpack.
And so, Alberto, a new adventure has begun: how much of the season is already set and how much is still in progress?
Yes, exactly, We went to Belgium and we all met: athletes, sports directors, part of the staff. On the first day, I got measured for the bike and did the bike fitting. Then I met with trainers and nutritionists. The next day, I met the rest of the staff: mental coaches, doctors, masseurs...
And what did you think?
Everything seems fine to me, professional, more picky than I thought, so that's a good thing. We also took a tour of the Soudal headquarters. We weren't at the team's service course.
Instead, a more descriptive aspect of this day: what's the venue like? What did you expect?
It's a modern facility. We were at Soudal's headquarters, so we weren't at the service course where the team's warehouse is, but we were at Soudal's headquarters, which has several branches. We toured the company. We went to what was the first production plant for silicones, adhesives, and insulators. It's nice that you get to experience the reality of the company first-hand. And I have to say, I really enjoyed seeing the Soudal workers. We were kind of like their guests.
Did they recognize you? Did they ask you for selfies?
Yes, of course, some more, some less... They especially knew the Belgian riders. But we were well separated, too. Also because we were also in the research and development department. They didn't bother us, and we didn't bother them. But yes, some people stopped you and it was nice.
Did you go for a bike ride in those days?
No, we stayed two nights and three days in total. And between the trip and the departure, there were only two days of actual work. As mentioned, we had visits, measurements, meetings, physical tests... For example, they evaluated the difference in strength between one leg and the other with the squat. I just took an hour one morning because I went for a run with Filippo Zana.
Have you already been assigned a trainer?
Exactly. He's Belgian and will be training all four Italians... so he'll have to start learning Italian between now and the end of the year! He seems smart to me. With him we saw two or three things to implement and improve compared to this year. Especially considering I was coming off a season with two major injuries, and it was a bit tough. I suffered a bit from both my 2024 season and a preparation that didn't take into account the lack of hours from the previous year.
Then?
So probably This year I'll train a little more. But I'm motivated, and I also want to bounce back from two slow years because, since that terrible crash (the reference is to the accident that happened last winter in Calpe, ed.), I haven't gotten back to my normal level. It's no coincidence that I'm already back on the bike. I took two weeks off, even though I was still running, but as I said, I've been on the bike for six days now. And the feeling seems good.
The meeting with the trainer is interesting. Had you already sent your files to the coach, or did you talk there and then?
Obviously he had access to my training peaks Even before, because when they sign a rider, all the teams ask for it. They see all the qualities, and from there he got an idea and created a program for me.
In this case, does the rider express his preferences and his feelings?
Yes, of course. I was the first to say what I wanted, what I expect from training and from a trainer.
Have you seen the team's other two sprinters? We're obviously talking about Paul Magnier and Tim Merlier...
Yes, yes, one: Paul Magnier, he was back from China: he was really tired! It's certainly inspiring to be with people of this caliber. I can't wait to compete with them right from the first training camp. They're the first and second sprinters in the world in terms of victories this year, so if we have a shared calendar, I'll be ready to lend a hand. That's also something that motivates me. And then I'll do a third calendar and try to do well. One thing is certain: here we race to win and it's a mentality that I like.It's different from other realities. The only thing that matters is being first.
So have you already spoken to Merlier and Magnier?
In short, there were so many people to meet that I had a hard time talking to them because they were quite pressured.We knew each other from exchanging a few quick words in the group, but nothing more.
And what does Bramati say instead?
I'm happy with him. I didn't know him very well, but he's a very good guide. He gives me a boost... He follows us, he cares about us, he gives us the right tips: Brama is very present in the team. They told me he's been with this group for 30 years. He'll be the sporting director of choice for us Italians, so: Garofoli, Raccagni, Zana, and myself.
You speak with enthusiasm, Alberto, it really shows, so tell us: what struck you most?
The mentality. The mentality that makes the difference. You can feel this desire to win. For a classics hunter or a sprinter like me, it's like going to Real Madrid... where you expect to win every match. You race to win, and that inspires the whole team and the entire staff. This has always struck me, even before, when I watched them from the outside. You already feel part of something, of the famous Wolfpack… You could say I run in the Wolfpack. They run together: all for one, one for all.
Have you already talked a little about the calendar or is everything still in progress?
For now, I know I'm leaving from Australia. Just think: They asked me how I'd take it if they sent me straight down under. And I replied, "I wanted to ask you!" So I'm happy to leave right away.
