«If I look back – says Covi in one breath – I think that the program that Matxin gave me for this year, which required that I have my space to score points, was the right choiceI've been with this team since the beginning of my career. Before, it had a different mentality; you didn't always race with such strong leaders. For example, At Matteotti I found myself on the run and it hadn't happened to me for two years. I was before the kind of rider who went on adventures, so I didn't mind having this extra space. But I'm 26 years old and I would like to try to see what else I can do. If I can give something more and I think that the Jayco-AlUla is the best team to take this step."
Alessandro Covi responds from home, after a series of hair-raising retirements in Italian races in September. He smiles easily, there's an explanation for everything. Also because his teammate won those races Del Toro, so it's easy to imagine that he had to shoot before giving up.
«I worked for him – he confirms – but I admit that I'm not even in top conditionI've always put myself at the service of the team. Isaac is flying, so it's only right to help him as much as possible. In August I had my moment of decline, like everyone else.You catch a bit of the flu, a little problem, which then becomes bigger and bigger when you're also tired. I started training well again about a month ago., so now I give my all to help the team."
How did the decision to change come about? Couldn't you have stayed?
Initially they told me to find a solution, because I was about to expire and there were some young people to let go. Then some things changed and there was the possibility of staying, however I had now decided to change air so I kept the line of landing in another team.
You did well in March. Will we see you again in the season finale?
I crashed in the second race of the season, in Valencia, and suffered a bone edema. I missed February, but I was already riding strong, and it really bothered me. When I returned to running, I was already in good condition and I tried to exploit it until the Italian. I won two races and I took two second places. I was also strong after that, in Austria, where I almost won a stage. But by pushing myself too hard, I suffered the slump I mentioned earlier. For the finale, I hope to get back to the right pedal stroke: if you go fast, there's space.
How have these six years been with the UAE Emirates?
Very important years. I was an intern in 2018, then I joined them in 2020. I saw the team's transformation and, For two or three seasons now, there is no doubt that it is the reference team in the worldHaving been a part of it has certainly given me a wealth of experience and memories that will stay with me forever.
Does the 100-win goal really exist?
I thought the goal was number 86 (one more than Team Columbia-HTC, which in 2009 achieved a total of 85 victories, ed.), which is almost there. Reaching 100 is difficult; 100 is a gigantic number. If we can do it, it would be nothing short of awesome. Being part of this team, whether we break the record or not, is still an honor. I also gave my contribution, because in at least 26-27 victories, I was also involved.The more victories, the better.
But excuse me, let's get back to the topic. Why would you want to change departments? What did they see in you at Jayco?
I arrive at 26 years old with the great baggage of UAE Emirates. Surely I will have more space in some races, then obviously I will be asked to support the captains like O'Connor and Matthews. Important riders with whom I can achieve even more significant successes. It's a mix in which I'll probably find more space for myself too.
You learn something by working for Pogacar, Ayuso or Del Toro?
Obviously you learn a little from everyone, not just from Del Toro. You learn from Laengen himself who made a career out of shooting, you learn something from everyone. Obviously Pogacar and Del Toro They're top-notch, so you can learn, but what they do is unique. You can't think of doing it again, because everyone is capable of doing their own thing and so you have to take the best from everyone.Every companion has a talent. And stealing a few tips always helps to increase your experience.
Ayuso is also leaving…
These are Juan's and the team's decisions. I think Ayuso is very strong, maybe not at the level of Pogacar, but he is a rider who can achieve great results. If he wasn't happy being here, then I think he did the right choice for his career.
At 26 and after various health problems last year, you seem to have become very serious. Is the jaunty Covi of the good old days still around?
It exists, let's say I keep it hidden (laughs, ed.). In the team they know that I like to joke, bond with everyone, create a nice atmosphere. I'm always the same one, maybe it's seen a little less, because I use social media less, for example.
Why?
They are thought to be very important, but in the end the important thing is how you really are. You don't have to prove anything to anyone on social media, but as long as you're young, follow them because it's a whole new world.In the end, however, you understand that some things are more important than others, and I think that real reality is more important than what's on social media.
How will you experience the last races in Italy?
Trying to enjoy these last moments with the team as much as possibleI've bonded with so many people that I'll see less and less and won't spend time with anymore. I will definitely miss them a lot.
On the other hand, have you also missed the Giro d'Italia in the last two years?
In the end I did two and a half, because in 2023 I retired. I won a stage (on the Fedaia Pass in 2022, ed.), I made two more podiums in Montalcino and on the Zoncolan, so I have good memories. If we think about how those results were achieved, that is, by going on the attack, that explains it. the decision to change teams to rediscover the feelings I had in my first years as a professionalA rebirth. Maybe it will be like starting a new adventure all over again.
