"You're the first people I've spoken to about the team in a long time, ever since the Qhubeka adventure ended. I really wanted to talk to you." Douglas Ryder he had actually disappeared a bit from the microphones and notebooks, after having tried until the last to save the Team Qhubeka overwhelmed by debt, but even then he had a clear idea that this was not a definitive stop, but just a pause.
Now the Swiss-affiliated team of the South African manager is ready, with a new sponsor (Q36.5, a clothing brand based in Bolzano), new riders and a refreshed spirit.
How difficult was it to start again after the closure of the WorldTour team?
With Covid and everything that's happened in recent years, it's been difficult to restart the conversation; few sponsors have approached cycling. Then the war made everything even more difficult. It was almost a miracle to start again, we turned back the hands of time.
You never lost hope: what gave you the strength to keep going?
I never gave up, I always lived with this dream, working hard to translate our values into a greater meaning because the team is a tool to convey something. When I found Q36.5 it was a great shock and I know it is a relationship that will continue to develop., but it's already incredible where we've come and that makes me very happy.
Your team now has new bases and new sponsors: are you still involved with the Qhubeka humanitarian project?
Of course, Qhubeka remains an important part of the project. We're not just another team; we're part of a larger project focused on community and social solidarity. A project that affects children across Africa. For me, the team has always been part of something bigger, which is why its end was a great pain, because so many people relied and continue to rely on us. However, it gave me the strength to get up and work every day. I believe this restart is deeply meaningful and inspires hope.
Starting over is always difficult: what assumptions did you use to build the team?
First of all, on the spirit with which it all began 10 years ago, through 3 years of start-up and 6 in the WorldTour. I am convinced that experience will help us to repeat ourselves and improve, always basing ourselves on those values that allowed us to get back on our feet. Knowing what we've been through, we can recreate something we can be proud of.
Missaglia and others on the staff you'd already worked with: did you choose them to recreate the team spirit that existed in Qhubeka?
Yes, because I know that in those 10 years I've had the best people in every field at my side, from sporting directors to bus drivers, chefs, and press officers. For me, everyone is essential to the project. It took time to rebuild the staff, but it was a crucial step because they know how to do it. I feel it's a privilege to work with them.
How important is it to have Nibali on your management team?
Nibali As a strategic consultant, it allows us to talk about many things: training, preparation, selection of riders, planning… It's an added value that makes a difference in motivating riders. It's undoubtedly an advantage over what we were..
There are riders from 13 countries, but the core group is Italian: why this choice?
We've always been successful with Italians, you see. Battistella U23 world champion when he was in the continental team or the successes of NiceloThere has always been an Italian influence and this has made the difference. It's sad that there isn't an Italian team in the WorldTour, it's like Ferrari being missing from Formula One.Italian cycling is strong and it's nice to be part of the team. I talked about it with Muskets e Brambilla, who are motivated to share their experiences with others. We have a good team, and the Italians are all committed to helping it grow.
Do you already have an idea of everyone's roles?
Yes, I have a precise idea about each of the 23 riders, but a lot will depend on the calendar we go for. We have heavyweight sprinters like Moschetti and Sajnok, for the stage races we will focus on Donovan and Hagen. For the classics we will have the experience of Devriendt e LudvigssonWe've focused our players on different areas; we'll have to fight hard for every match. We hope to achieve some success, but the important thing will be to demonstrate the unity that is the foundation of a long-term team.
What schedule will you make?
I'm talking to a lot of people to put together a program, but it's not easy because the UCI hasn't given any clear answers and many organizers are waiting to send out invitations. We should start in Spain anyway and then race a lot in the spring between Belgium and the Netherlands. I won't deny that I'd love to be invited to a major Giro, but in the meantime, we're focusing on the first three months and getting off to a good start.
Do you think it's possible to grow to the WorldTour or is it too early to talk about it?
It's early, but it's definitely the long-term goal, so we need to get things right now and plan each year so we always take steps forward, not backward. In three years we will have to be among the best professionals and at that point obtain the WT license.
Is the continental left?
It will remain because it is one and the same with the professional team, even from a financial perspective. We want an U23 team from which we can take the most deserving players to give them some experience in the main team and, conversely, have a continental team that can also restart those who may be injured in a more gentle way. We will follow the U23 team carefully, will make an appropriate calendar including the Tour of Italy U23.
What would make you satisfied after the first season?
I would like us to win a handful of races, let's say 6 to 10, but always racing as a team, with a solid group and with valid and consistent performances over time. We have to show that we are here and that we are competitive by always showing our sponsors and progressingI am convinced that with the past we have behind us we will succeed.
