In the profound reorganization of the federal technical structure, Mario plays an important role Scirea. Indeed, more roles considering that he is called to collaborate with both Daniele Welcome, city of the Elite who with Marino amadori, working with the U23s. The new president of the FCI Dagnoni absolutely wanted to make use of his contribution, but he needed to exploit his skills in both sectors so he offered him the double role.
This means that Scirea (opening with national team manager Roberto Amadio) is always on the move, attentive to every nuance. Working with young players is delicate, as we've often reiterated, and the 57-year-old from Bergamo is also aware of this: "We must accompany the boys towards the professional stage, making sure that they are not caught off guard and this can only be done by increasing international activity, as we will do.These are no longer the days of my racing, when the epicenter of activity was in Italy. Now we need to look to the North, where racing is different and where the strongest teams are. We need to learn the roads, the way of racing; it's essential."
Wasn't it like that in your time?
No, because there were many strong teams here and a lot of activity was done at home. Naturally, the most important sponsors also wanted us to participate in major foreign events, classics and grand tours. Today, except for the major events, Italian cycling has lost its appeal, but I am convinced that it will slowly return to how it was before, as is happening in Spain.. Moreover, the pandemic has brought great attention back to the construction of calendars.
You fall somewhere between the two categories and have your finger on the pulse: how much does the lack of a WorldTour team impact the growth of our talents?
Hugely, even more than you might think. It means that to become a pro, you have to go abroad, and to explain, I'll give you an example: If you land in a Belgian team, the sponsors will certainly have more image returns if a local rider wins, special attention will be given to the internal athletes and the others will be more supportive., they'll have to work harder to find space. Ultimately, if you're good, you emerge, that's clear, but you'll have to work much harder than before.
So a group like yours and Cipollini's couldn't exist?
I wouldn't make such clear-cut statements: after all, a rider who guarantees you twenty or so victories every year, including at least a couple of victories in the Giro and the Tour, becomes coveted by everyone, he and his fellow adventurers. Of course, it's more difficult. If we had an Italian team, there would be a core of local riders who could grow calmly, you could plan the calendar better and I'm convinced that many Italian races would benefit from it too.
There's a plan for an Italian team, but it's going to be a long time coming...
These are not things that can be built overnight, also because they require much greater funding than in our times. In the meantime However, we must work to ensure that the number of Italian pros increases, that our cycling remains at the forefront and produces good riders.There are some, perhaps too little is said about them.
Is there a new Cipollini around?
No. Today's champions don't have the Same charisma. It's not just about victories. In motorcycling, everyone knows Valentino Rossi; those who raced with him, even those who beat him, the common people don't remember him. In skiing, like it or not, people always talk about Tomba. In Italian cycling you say Cipollini And Pantani and everyone knows who you're talking about. Even today's champions, those who win classics and Tours, aren't that well-known outside of the cycling world.I don't even know what it depends on, it's really being a character that makes the difference.
How useful was your experience as a rider in these new roles?
A lot, it's the basis of my job. Previously, technical commissioners who did not come from teams were chosen, now a new path has been sought with Bennati and the whole groupIf you work in a professional team, you learn that it's not just about the race; there's a lot of work that goes into preparing for trips, taking care of every aspect of a race, from logistics to equipment, from technical to psychological support—a vast and often overlooked range of services.
Of course, but knowing who you are and the experiences you've gained alongside a champion like Cipollini, the younger ones will surely ask you...
There's that moment, too, it's natural. Many, especially at titled events, feel the tension rising and ask you for advice. All we can do is explain to kids the mistakes they shouldn't make in their mania for being protagonists.Time has shortened, we all know that, but you also need to know how to manage yourself to face the world of professionals in a way that bears fruit.
