Michele Pirro is a Ducati rider, a test driver since 2013 and one of the architects of the red team's successes. A test driver of his caliber has a lot of responsibilities, involved in all the research and development processes of racing motorcycles, which are the business card of a racing company.
Michele Pirro is also a great cycling enthusiast, something that goes far beyond living the bicycle as a preparatory tool for training. We stopped with him at the stand Trek, before the Granfondo Sharks 2022For the record: Pirro finished 51st overall on the long course and will also participate in the Nove Colli from Cesenatico.
Many pilots ride bicycles. Where does the desire to ride a bike and the passion for pedaling come from?
It all starts from those shapes and from the two wheels, a technical aspect that should not be underestimated It somehow brings motorcycles closer to bicycles. In terms of ergonomics and balance, the bicycle can be compared to the motorcycle.
Why do motorcycle racers use bicycles for training?
First of all because you don't put stress on your joints, but it's clear that many different dynamics come into play. A motorcycle rider is subject to breakages and fractures, or at least anticipates the possibility of an accident. Cycling is an excellent workout and a great preparatory activity, because it challenges you and does not negatively affect your joints and skeletal system. I'm also passionate about cycling and I can combine training with the pleasure of cycling, a perfect mix. For the pilots it is a cardio discipline very, very good.
Do you need the effort you enjoy on your bike for your motorbike?
Sometimes I overdo it and I could even avoid all this effort on the bike, but I like it and it makes me feel good. Even on a motorbike it's hard work, but it's different and Like all sports, it forces you to face and confront your limits. La the big difference between the two disciplines is the timing in which the effort is managedA motorcycle race lasts 45 minutes, an hour at most. They are different processes that can coexist.
So many combinations and so many activities—biking, fitness, and the gym—to give your best on the bike. Do you consider yourself a true athlete?
Even in motorcycling, a lot has changed, in fact, almost everything, just like in most sports. Today's pilots are real athletes. The pilot who only rides a motorbike no longer exists. 90% of the work is done at home and involves various aspects of training and nutrition. A lot of emphasis is placed oncardio activity and in my case it finds its maximum expression precisely thanks to the bicycle.
How much time do you spend on your bike?
I have mine target, I try to I'm keeping to 500-600 kilometers a month. The extra miles I can manage allow me to better manage my efforts and recover more quickly. However, there is a lot of variability, also based on commitments.
Do you also put competitive spirit into cycling?
The competitive mentality is that and it tells you that you must never give up., regardless of what you do. You get caught up in the adrenaline rush. Then you have to manage the effort, and that's a whole other story. For example: last year at Nove Colli, when I passed the Barbotto I was in the first thirty positions, then I blew up and did 100 kilometers with cramps.
Are you interested in cycling technology?
Yes, I like it and it stimulates meComing from a professional background in general forces you to pay attention to details. But I'm also an enthusiast and the first thing is aesthetic taste. I like shapes and beautiful bicycles, I like technical means and I am aware that it is the leg that makes the difference.
Bike with disc brakes or traditional brakes?
The bicycle is part of those evolutionary processes that I consider normal. Technology moves forward and in my opinion... Disc braking is a step forward, especially in terms of safety. I consider the performance of disc brakes for bicycles to be more integral and homogeneous, a factor that goes far beyond marketing. Braking with discs it is better managed, minimize the variables and there is less dispersion of the braking effect. Doing a parallel with motorcycles, the closer the system and the action are to the hub, the better.
Are you more of an aero biker or a traditional biker?
I can't give a comprehensive assessment of which solution is best; further testing and research would be needed to assess its effectiveness. I use both versions, Trek Madone and also the Emonda. I can say that the Madone gives me a lot of confidence, especially when going downhill.
Does the speed of the motorcycle help you when you're on the bike?
Having confidence with speed is definitely an advantage. Which also has a positive effect on cycling, but there's a catch. When I pedal, I don't notice my speed; I'm held back by the fact that I'm naked, without any protection. I look at the Garmin and see the speed, often I close the throttle and slow down.
