At the time we called, Giovanni Aleotti was in the middle of packing his suitcase for the Giro dell'Emilia (which took place yesterday). It was strange to think of the rider from Mirandola packing for his home race, but that's what the pace dictates. Red Bull-Bora hansgrohePreparations for the final race of the year, the Tour of Guangxi in China, will be more demanding. Aleotti had told us that he would have liked to go and race the last WorldTour race of the year, perhaps with greater goals. For now, the ticket with his name is ready, but the rank he will wear on the shoulders of his uniform will be decided in the coming days.
“I don’t know who will be with me in China,” he said, “or at least officially. Surely the remaining strength in the body will be counted, after all the season has been quite longI myself have put together several days of racing (77 so far, including the Giro dell'Emilia, ed.) and many retirements. For the first time in my career I have participated in two major stage races: the Giro and the Vuelta. It was a positive season, in which I found myself. Just to you last year, in China, I said that 2023 was the worst season ever. So much so that I called it unclassifiable».
Regained confidence
Instead now the voice on the other end of the phone sounds happy and determined. Aleotti has found again the confidence in his own abilities and also the victory: at Tour of Slovenia. 2024 brought him into the orbit of the Azzurri. The call-up to Zurich ultimately didn't arrive, but it's always nice to be considered.
«I think that participating in a world championship – continues Aleotti – is every cyclist's dream. The number of athletes is limited and someone must be left outI took Bennati's choice with the right attitude. He explained his choices to me, and I felt I had to thank him for considering me. Even being on that list was a goal, given last season. It's clear that I would have been happy to participate, but the manager makes his own decisions.. They are not always easy and I respect them."
Let's go back to Red Bull-Bora, Gasparotto told us that the captains want you everywhere, they trust you blindly.
I thank him for his words. I try to always be honest with myself, I recognize my limits and I know how far I can go at the moment. In a three-week race I try to give my support, also because I am aware that I am not at the same captains level.
How do you build this trust with leaders?
Through beautiful relationships that are cultivated throughout the year. I've been here for a long time, I just renewed for another two years by the way.I met all the leaders and bonded with them. I'm a person who can adapt to different situations, but I was so lucky because Roglic, Vlasov, Martinez and Hindley are friends before captainsWhen you have to give of yourself to someone, you do it more if you feel good with them.
You said you wanted continuity, what do you mean?
This team is the right place for me to grow and for my future. It's definitely solid thanks to Red Bull and Bora. Likewise, this situation creates greater competition. Lots of investments allow us to get many strong ridersI'm of the opinion that you earn your place on the road and through performance.
And you've done some over the years.
When I had the chance I took it, on the contrary when there was work to be done I made myself completely availableIn a team like that, it's difficult to think of going to the Giro, the Tour, or the Vuelta and thinking of being the captain. As mentioned above, I feel I need to be honest with myself, now I'm not at their level.
What are you missing? Do you think it will ever come?
It's difficult to predict growth; I don't have the arrogance to say "yes." I'll try to commit, and only time and the road will tell.
You've been here since 2021, the environment has changed a lot...
I experienced the change of identity. When I arrived, Sagan was still there and the team was banking heavily on sprinters.. Then over the years there was the Switch and we moved on to the team you know, capable of winning a Giro and a VueltaI'm also proud to say that I was on both teams.
Do you think there's room for a boy who grows from within?
The team is pushing the projects forward and valuing the work of the captains. We won't know what role I'll be able to fill in the future. Now I have limits but it's not easy to understand what they areA lot can change in a year. You mature and grow. I'm aiming to reach a certain age where my values will stabilize; right now I feel like I'm on the up. I'm young, I just turned 25After two difficult seasons, I'm also enjoying my newfound confidence.
Due to what?
At work with my new trainer, Paolo Artuso. It's not that I wasn't comfortable before, but Paolo got me when I was feeling down. It has us he believed it before I did itIn December 2023, he told me we would be aiming for the Tour of Slovenia. Now I feel like I've found myself again, I can see the fruits of my labor, and everything is becoming easier. I want to do well in China, take a break and enjoy the break and start again in December.I think I'll start off even better than last winter, mentally I feel calm and confident.
