In the last edition of the Giro d'Italia TurboPaolo was an integral part of Lidl-Trek. A relationship that, however, ended after last season. But this was not enough to keep away the eclectic influencer from Novara – passionate about cycling – from the Pink RaceWe reach him by phone while he is in Cesano Maderno, today's stage finish.
TurboPaolo, what are you doing in Cesano Maderno?
I'm currently trying to find a way to cross the railway line. It seems they haven't invented underpasses in Cesano Maderno yet. But I'll manage. Other than that. I'm here at the finish line to make some content for Telethon.
What kind of content?
I will make some videos to raise awareness among people about donating 5×1000 to Telethon. They are Charity Partner of the Giro, so they got me involved. I'll do it one today then another on Saturday, on the climb of Colle delle FinestreThe idea is to play someone who, under the guise of doing charity work, actually goes and does something that interests him.
A scenario that doesn't seem too dissimilar from reality...
Actually, no. I like videos where I pretend as little as possible.
Let's get this out of the way right away: Lidl-Trek has dropped you from the squad and is racing a great Giro.
This year, even though they didn't confirm me, they're having a perfect season. I see a great connection between the guys, a great team spirit. Maybe it's also partly my fault, because while I was there there were too many roosters in the henhouseMy departure certainly helped with the team's cohesion. Jokes aside, they're having a really great Giro. I like very much Pedersen because it's very strong and it's a nice… big steak, which I can only appreciate. And his bike is the nicest of the whole group.
How is this Giro d'Italia looking to you?
At first, I have to say I was a little confused when I saw the start list. But in the end, It's more enjoyable this way, without a single dominator, with everyone always attacking. Then see Van Aert wins in Siena in Piazza del Campo it was the best.
TurboPaolo, are you a Van Aert fan?
A bit like everyone else, I think. Even if The thing I like most about him is his hair. It's always perfect., even after a very tough stage like the one on the dirt roads. He takes off his helmet and has a perfect quiff, incredible.
Any other things that have struck you so far?
I was thinking about the fact that Roglic has revealed himself to be the biggest troll in modern cyclingHe made everyone believe he was the clear favorite, but in the end he was never even in the game. Maybe he did it on purpose, to draw attention to himself and leave Pellizzari alone., the true captain of the team. By the way, I'd like to point out that I've already heard the word "predestined" used in connection with Pellizzari. Poor guy.
What do you say about the UAE who finally showed herself (at least a little) vulnerable?
Well, not so much. They lost Ayuso along the way, but they are still in the pink jersey…If it's not soup, it's wet bread, I'd say.
Where do you follow the stages, on Rai or on Eurosport?
Rai. My favorite commentator is Stefano Rizzato who does the commentary from his motorbike. If it were up to me, I'd have him host Sanremo too. Then sometimes It makes me laugh a little at the attempt to romanticize cycling at all costs, with results that are sometimes, let's say, a little ridiculous. As if they were soldiers at the front and not kids riding bicycles. But, that said, I still follow it on Rai.
You said you'll be climbing the Colle delle Finestre on Saturday, the last major climb of this Giro. What kind of scenery do you imagine?
From a parochial perspective, I'd love to see Caruso do a great job at the end of his career. More realistically, It would be nice if Simon Yates would bag the whole thing UAEI really like him, I like the Yates twins in general. Imagine how great it would be if he took the pink jersey in the same place where he lost it in 2018. it would be a beautiful redemption, a cinematic story. And you?
My impartiality wouldn't allow me to answer. But I wouldn't mind a small, great feat from Derek Gee. Let's get back to us, that is, you. TurboPaolo, who will win this Giro?
In my opinion he wins it Del ToroI really like how he runs, even yesterday for example, after the half crisis of two days ago he immediately responded in a great way. talent and character, and a lot of communication potential I think, even more than Ayuso. I liked an interview a few days ago, where they said he doesn't seem to struggle, and he actually replied that he does. Great guy. Del Toro, I'm rooting for him.
So not for Simon Yates?
Both of you. One. shared pink jersey in Rome, it would be wonderful.
