The passage of Alberto Bruttomessi al Cycling Team Friuli had a greater purpose behind itThe rider from Vicenza, in fact, like his new teammate Tumblers, he is engaged to the Bahrain Victorious, with which he will turn professional in 2024. The CTF has become this year development team Bahrain. This season in Friuli will serve Bruttomesso to get to grips with a world that awaits him with open arms and an hourglass in hand.
«We will soon have our first training session in Udine – says Bruttomesso – to start getting to know each other, while In January we will have the first retreat in preparation for the season».
The news about your move to the CTF has a bigger purpose behind it…
Let's say that this was more of a path I took that will lead me, at the end of 2023, to the transition to the professionals with Bahrain. During the season I will have the opportunity to work and get to know the environment, in January, for example, during the training camp I mentioned before, the WorldTour team will also be there.
What will be the biggest change this season?
The program will include competitions abroad, Cycling Team Friuli is one of the under 23 teams with the most extensive calendarAll the steps I take this year will help me get as ready as possible for the leap to the pros.
Who contacted you first, Bahrain or the CTF?
Bahrain, They called me shortly before the Giro d'Italia Under 23 (where is it he won the first stage, ed.). The topic of the phone call was precisely the transition to the professionals in 2024.
And when did the CTF arrive?
The decision to race with them next season was made in early September, It was a proposal born by virtue of the fact that they would become the development team of BahrainI thought about it for a long time and concluded that it would be a good choice.
Have you already had the chance to see the world behind the CTF?
The first week I spoke with Alessio Mattiussi, the trainer, but we didn't say anything. Today I met him for the first time. Just as I briefly saw the CTF Lab, just to get the bike's measurements.
Your only experience abroad came at the Tour de l'Avenir, but it didn't go well...
It was a difficult experience, my goal was to learn and add another step in my growth. Unfortunately, I wasn't very lucky either. In the second stage, I fell and I had pain in my wrist that limited me.In the stage before the time trial, we took on a lot of water. The next day, I paid the price for all of this, along with a good dose of inexperience, and I dropped out. But it's better that it happened in my first year than later.
You'd already told us that you'd prefer to gain experience in the category and then aim higher, towards professionalism...
I'm satisfied with the year I've had with Zalf, in the end my primary goal it was the maturity. Then we took part in high-level races: such as the Giro d'Italia and the Giro del Friuli.
But will constantly comparing yourself with other paths and different teams be a step forward?
Yes, the proposal is to do 3-4 races abroad, but for the moment the calendar is unknown. We will certainly do a lot of activities outside the borders.We'll compete with other development teams linked to WorldTour teams and also take part in more international races. As mentioned, it will all be a preparation for the professional stage.
You are not the only satellite team in Bahrain, there is also the Cannibal Team.
Affiliation with the Cannibal Team It is also important for us, because it should become our support in Belgium, thus expanding the range of competitions abroad.
Having a signed professional contract already, how does this make you approach the new season?
It gives me peace of mind, because the (three-year) agreement is already there. Obviously when I'm racing I'll only think about doing well and giving my all, as usual. This contract will bring me greater serenity and clarity within the group.
