Tomorrow for Elia Viviani it's already today. Many projects in the pipeline, from the role in the federation to the commitment as sport director of the Ineos, but in the meantime something is already part of the present and it is his commitment in Ducati, the blue flag of motorsports as much as Ferrari, which launched its new high-end bikes entrusting to the Olympian, to Vincenzo Nibali and the former downhill champion Lorenzo Suding not only the role of testimonials, but by directly involving them in the entire production phase of each individual model, from design to field testing.
Viviani is enthusiastic about this initiative, also meeting old acquaintances along the way: «It all started from the relationship I have with the Zecchetto family, owners of Diamant Srl, involved in the project as well as Alé Cycling e DMTI've known them since I was 15, Federico Zecchetto They'd give me shoes when I was a kid. Over the years, I've tested new shoes and prototypes, and given feedback. I've always enjoyed the technical side of things. A few months ago, they had this opportunity and shared it with me. Obviously, it was a project that immediately captivated me. It also coincided with the fact that I would be ending my career at the end of the season.And it was a challenge I wanted to tackle right away, with some ideas. First the design, then the first prototypes, the testing, the first prototypes of the lamination studies, everything that goes into making a high-end bike, with modern, super-quality assembly."
How much of Ducati is there in all this?
Very. Ducati is 100 percent involved, it is not a blind delegation to the Zecchetto groupThe Ducati brand is involved in the selection and approval of everything, from the design to the colors, so it's off to a good start. It's a first step, and who knows what the future holds.
What kind of market could they have, just for sales or could they also have an outlet in competitive cycling?
Obviously we talk about it in the company, but the first step is to make bikes that have a market and that are still of quality.Let's see how the next few years go; it's a long-term vision. However, let's say that given Ducati's approach to the sport, it's an important option. But you have to have the right timing because the world of professional racing is very demanding and doesn't just require a road bike, but also a time trial bike, an aerodynamic one, a super-light one, and so we're still a long way off.
When you started racing, Italian manufacturers had a near monopoly in the world of professional cycling. Then many other companies emerged from many countries. Does this also create an Italian image, considering the specific weight Ducati has in the motorcycling world?
Yes, absolutely. The fact that they saw great potential in cycling is already great news. This is the part that immediately excited me, because if such a large group has seen something it means that cycling has something to give.This is the part we obviously have to work on. Ducati has full control over what is produced in terms of quality and design. The road bike will probably arrive around March 2026, then there will be an e-MTB, and the gravel bike is already well underway in the design phase. These will be the three bikes we'll see in 2026, with the obvious desire to expand the range.
It's always been said that Italian cycling lacks major sponsors and big Italian companies. Could this be a first step toward involving big names?
Why not? If we wait for the sponsor to arrive, for him to fall from the sky, we can wait forever… In my opinion, cycling is an excellent world that can offer a lot in terms of visibility but which must know how to sell itself. If Ducati has come closer it means that there is something interesting and we have to work on this.Knowing how to sell this something to get big companies interested. It's a major brand that can be a driving force, given that we've been struggling for years without teams in the WorldTour. It will take a few years, and we'll have to work hard for the dream to come true.
How are you experiencing these first days off the bike?
The big difference is that you get up in the morning and the priority isn't getting on your bike and wondering "what workout should I do?" Breakfast is freer, and the approach to the day is much more relaxing. Of course I always try to find some time to do sports and I like this because in the end it means I won't be sitting there at the computer or on the sofa all day.On the other hand, I balance my time between meetings, emails, and everything else that's involved in building a workday. You know what I like best?
What?
Eating differently than you ate as an athlete, so like In the morning I wake up and make myself a slice of bread with hazelnut spread instead of an omelette... I see that meals in normal life are a little less “important” than in life as an athlete.
Regardless of your commitments, you'll still have more opportunities to go out cycling with your wife, accompany her on her workouts...
It's one of the things I love most. My other priority was to stay put. I didn't feel the need to "take a break" for 3-4 months and then start again. My goal was to stay in the industry and try to do the best I could in various fields. But Most of the remaining time is dedicated to my wife, training with her, so let's say I will have training schedules based on what Elena will do to spend time togetherAnd obviously I will also be present more often in his final season at the races I can be at.
