Three days in Malta to begin to absorb the climate and environment that in a few weeks will become part of the routine. Dario Igor Belletta concluded the first meeting with the Polti VisitMalta and together with his new teammates he spent a few days in Malta. Now the holidays of the rider from Magenta start again with the Solme Elm he finally found a pass to professionalism. The opportunity came at the most difficult moment and after a season that put him to the test in every aspect, the rest is fully deserved.
«After the season ended – he says – I went cycling with some friends, nothing too demanding. Just little trips to get a coffee or a piece of cake, just to spend time togetherThen I took a complete break and went to Sardinia, while now, after the training camp in Malta, I still have a couple of weeks without a bike."
Early start
Rest plays an important role in building for next season, Dario Igor Belletta's first professional season. After a 2025 that saw him start late due to his farewell to Visma Lease a Bike and ended at the Lombardia U23, on October 4th.
«Now that we're talking about new experiences – continues Belletta – I almost want to get back on my bike and think about next season. But I have to be strong and rest a little longer., especially since training isn't long away. I should be back in early November, and I want to do it 100 percent. Also because I should leave Spain for a run at the end of January, while for the under 18s, the first races are in March. So you have to get into shape early."
How did your first encounter with the new reality in Malta go?
Very good, we spent three days in a fantastic place thanks to the sponsor VisitMalta who acted as ambassadors for the island and it was fantastic. I discovered a place that was completely new to me and which fascinated me.I also had the opportunity to meet my teammates who will be with me next year.
Did you immediately break the ice?
Yes, also because I know Ivan Basso well, we are from the same areas and he was already following me when I was juniorOver the years, we've been in frequent contact and spoken to frequently during the season, the last time in the summer, once the contract was signed. To go to Malta, we flew from Malpensa, also because Polti VisitMalta has its main warehouse in Varese.
What did you feel when you arrived at the airport, ready to leave for your first trip as a pro?
It was strange and exciting at the same time. Seeing Ivan Basso and knowing that this time we would leave together to go to the first retreat has a certain effectI remember when I arrived he was talking about how he managed his winter rest when he was a rider, and I was there already taking notes in my head. Then he got on his bike to take some shots and film and I have to say he is still in great shape..
Your season hasn't been easy. Did you ever think you'd turn professional at the end of the year?
If you had asked me in March, I would have said no. That was the hardest moment, I didn't know what direction my career would take and it was difficult to start again. (the reference is to the farewell to Visma Lease a Bike, ed.). Until July 1st I could not have signed with other continental teams, even though there were some I have to team up interested in me.
Then did he become more aware?
Thanks to Gian Pietro Forcolin and Solme Olmo, I started again and regained confidence step by step. My condition at the beginning of the season wasn't the best and it took me a while to find the right rhythm again.. Since after the Giro Next Gen I found continuity and important results, with the only regret of the second at the Italian under 23 championship.
What gave you confidence?
The fact that despite my physique not being that of a climber, I have still achieved many results in international races, on courses with many climbs. There I understood that I had taken a further step forward., the results were probably not exceptional, but managing to get top 10 and top 5 in certain races allowed me to regain confidence.
When did you sign with Polti VisitMalta?
In the first part of the summer, during the Italian under-23 championship. There were also some WorldTour teams that were interested in me, however, these were uncertain projects that still had to be defined. I liked Ivan Basso's proposal, a family environment where I immediately felt welcome.. There are also boys I know well, like the Bessega twins.
What convinced you?
The space each rider has within the team to grow, learn, and try to win. Sometimes you come into a WorldTour team and you struggle to find the right opportunities., or there are few. The risk is to work two years and be left with nothing. Here at Polti VisitMalta, however, I feel I can find the right opportunities to grow.
Do you think you learned anything from this season?
That in cycling, as in life, there are things we can't controlThis shouldn't scare us, but we need to work and care about what is under our control.
