Just in the last two days he has allowed himself a foray into Spain among the training camps of many teams because his job now also involves public relations. Having got off his bike at the end of 2024, Jacopo Guarnieri had anticipated that he would have undertaken a career as a prosecutorIn June, he passed the UCI qualification exam without any problems, even though he had already begun taking his first steps in the new environment a few months earlier, preparing all the necessary documentation.
At his court are several riders of all categories, all chosen by him based on specific technical and, above all, human characteristics. In line with the type of athlete and man we have come to know, Guarnieri has clearly in mind what he looks for in a potential client and what he can give back..
It is well known that there are written rules that must be written down in the contract, but it is equally true that there are unwritten ones that can be signed by looks, words, thoughts, intentions and attentions.For the Piacenza manager, the signature on the so-called sheet of paper does not only have a value to increase the number of his athletes, but becomes a total commitmentWe wanted to understand with Jacopo how he is interpreting his role.
Who were the first to believe in you as an attorney?
Of all of them, I would say that the ones who decided to come with me were the pros, also because most of them knew me when I was racing (Jake Stewart of NSN Cycling Team, his former partner at Groupama, ed.). However I must say that It was the same for the young people, perhaps due to the effect of having recently retired Which I think could be a factor that will help me better guide them in their choices. I'm really enjoying working with young people, and it wasn't something I thought I'd do at first. With them there is a lot of space and a lot of room for maneuver because they are growing.
What are the criteria by which you choose riders or by which they choose you?
In general, there must be a relationship of trust in both directions. Not only do I have to believe in an athlete, but he also has to believe in me.Also because there are families behind it, especially if they are underage riders. There's definitely a technical and qualitative aspect at the core. You might like a guy for the way he runs, the way he behaves, the statements he makes, then by talking to him you have to understand if there's a connection. I have a vision that is the result of the people who worked with me as a rider and I also believe of my personalityIf you find a common ground with the rider, everything becomes easier.
How's your relationship with your clients going? Have you ever had different views from theirs?
I'm extremely happy with the kids I have, but I think that even two different points of view can be helpful. At least for me, This situation makes me question myself and that's where sometimes you can learn something new, especially if you're new to the jobLike in school or in everyday life. If they always tell you yes, that you're good or right, you don't learn anything.
What are the dictates you give to your children?
Mainly my attitude is very much set on the future. For juniors and U23s the goal is to prepare them for professionalism, to a long and perhaps successful career. They must be ready to sustain a physical load from a mental point of view, which I believe is the most important aspect. The youth categories, even from the rookie and junior levels, are very demanding due to the pressure the kids impose on themselves and the pressure they receive from their coaches. Young riders people must reach the next category without already being exhaustedSo for me, the environment they grow up in also matters. I want to look at the long term with them, without forcing them to rush things or make decisions that could compromise them.
Does your attitude change with the pros?
With them it's a different matter. Let's say that when the rider finds his dimension, the agent's skill is to find a reality that can suit him and where he can give the best of himselfIn that case, other factors come into play, such as the ability to play one's cards, the financial aspect, or the length of the contract.
Have you noticed any competition in the world of attorneys?
Definitely yes. There are groups of agents with whom one feels more at ease, others less so, as I think is normal in any environment. From those I know very well, I've received some help in terms of advice or discussions. I think that If cycling remains the basis of our work, we may find ourselves jostling with a colleague for a rider, but I think it will be a healthy competition., where in the end it will be the boy who decides which person he feels most in tune with.
Jacopo Guarnieri, how does he view the fact that agents are looking for riders among the students or even eyeing up rookies?
Compared to many years ago, the age at which children are encouraged to do so has dropped significantly. Honestly, I don't see anything wrong with looking at the lower categories, as long as certain things are respected.Everyone has their own method, but the way I want to work, I think you have to be as conservative as possible for young people. The younger you take on the kids, the more you have to free them from pressure.They simply need to be allowed to work and grow. And not told untrue things.
The feeling is that everyone is looking for the super young talent they can sign right away.
It's normal to go further and further back in search of it, but for me the focus remains elsewhere. The objective, as I said before, is to try to make them become pros, possibly successful ones and not successful juniors or U23sHow many were champions when they were young, and how many of them went on to become pros? It's easy to jump on the bandwagon and chase the phenomenon. The agent's skill must be to be able to intercept even untapped talents. This hunt must not make us forget that There are many talented riders who perhaps didn't show much until the junior or U23 levels and instead can become good professionals.
And if your boyfriend told you he wanted to drop out of school to become a rider, how would you feel?
Of course, everyone is free to do what they want, especially when they're young and their family is involved. I can't replace the family, but I believe the agent should be a good advisor. From my point of view, school remains a fixed point, also because it is a further challenge with your body and your mind.Cycling and studying are two important commitments to keep up, but for me they're complementary. It's a broader discussion.
You're welcome.
A young rider shouldn't see school as an additional stress because it's a stress that can give you a diploma, satisfaction, a backup and can be a lifesaver. And if you think about it, it's a stress that prepares you for professionalism. because it prepares you to take on a greater load of responsibility.
What do you think is your strong point so far?
I definitely have time to dedicate to my kids. The values expressed on the bike are important, and I know I can give the rider advice on both technical and competitive aspects. But cycling isn't just about watts; there's more. Mental and human support are important.And they know I'm available 24/24 for any situation, whether it's a pro or a kid. I've set up my work this way, I can afford it, and I'm happy with it. This is my path with my thinking, I hope it works.
