After a long wait, Edoardo Zamperini's future will still have the sound of the French language, a few days ago he was announced as the thirtieth and final addition to Team CofidisThe formation that sees in the flagship Roberto Damiani and which has been led by Raphael Jeune since September 30th will restart as a professional for the next three years (2026-2028). The Italian under 23 champion of 2024 he found a solution almost at the last minute, which is not easy given the closure of Arkea B&B Hotels and its I have to team up for which he ran last season (opening photo Instagram/Edoardo Zamperini).
«I spent the last few days in the mountains – says Zamperini – and since Monday (November 3, ed.) I've been back to training. I've been out of action since October 5th, so I'm slowly starting up again to be ready straight away.".
What kind of year was that with Arkea?
It's had its ups and downs, but in the end, I'd say you always learn something. Mentally it's been a challenging year, especially in the last few months when we had the official announcement regarding the closure of the team. I have been looking for a team for next season for a long time, which has worn me down quite a bit mentally.
When did you start looking?
Already during the season Arkea had given us the green light to move and find alternatives2025 was a strange year, many teams have closed and there have been many revolutions given the end of the three-year period that would have renewed the WorldTour licenses.
It wasn't an easy season. Did you ever expect to turn professional?
Not really, so much so that before the signature with Cofidis which arrived last week, I had already signed with General Store. Instead, a few days ago they called me from Cofidis to tell me that they still had three places available for 2025 and they had thought of me.
What did they tell you at the General Store?
They were gentlemen and for that I truly thank them. They have proven to be a team capable of cycling for the good of the athletes and not for personal gain.
How did the opportunity at Cofidis arise?
When I was looking, while the season was still underway, I had put myself forward. I told them that if there was an opportunity to work together I would have liked to become part of that reality.In this experience in a French team (Arkea B&B Hotels, ed.) I felt comfortable.
Which aspect did you like the most?
I felt like I did when I was a junior or under 23 and I raced in Italian teams, you are very close like in a family. Everyone works for the good of the riders, you can see that in France too they live cycling with great passion.
How was the transition from a club team to running in a I have to team up?
It makes itself felt above all from a logistical point of view and organizationalThere are so many things I wasn't used to: traveling alone, navigating airports, and things like that… I was lucky enough to have Italian teammates like Nicolas Milesi or those from the WorldTour: Epis and Mozzato to ask.
What kind of year has it been athletically?
At first glance it was certainly with less results than last year. However, it must be said that I faced a much more demanding schedule.In 2024 I will have run about fifteen international races, this year they were all events high level. They also took me many times to race with the WorldTour team.
How does it feel to say now that I'm a professional?
Perhaps this word has lost some of its value over the years because there is so much confusion about it.. Now continental teams can participate in 1.Pro races or those who race in a I have to team up he is seen as a professional or feels like one. In my heart I feel like I'm finally a professional and it's an immense joy.A dream I've been chasing for seventeen years, since I started riding a bike, in G1.
What did this season teach you?
Things happen when you least expect them, If I had to look back I would have bet that I would have been able to turn pro at the end 2024 given the resultsInstead, I find myself making the leap now, at the end of a difficult season in which I understood the importance of many other aspects that are important and go beyond performance on the bike.
For example?
Prove yourself reliable, both to the team and to your teammates, serious and available. This year at Arkea I have made myself available to the team many times and I have shown that I am a figure capable of doing certain jobs.I was pleased that Cofidis also noticed this and gave me a chance.
