With the black hat pulled down over dark glasses, long hair and black mask, Before recognizing the champion of the pink jersey and the two rainbow jerseys, it was necessary to hear his voice. Bugno has moved on to Tirreno-Adriatico, together with the federal president Cordiano Dagnoni and that ofAccpi Cristian Salvato. And so in a moment of calm before the epilogue of the race, recalling the statement with which the Cpa announced electronic voting, We thought it would be a good idea to ask them how things are going in the world riders' union. which Gianni has chaired for 12 years.
«Electronic voting – says Bugno – will change many things and it is also rightThe president will change, but not the Board of Directors. I'm stepping aside, I don't intend to run for office anymore., because I think I have achieved the goals I set for myself when I started. I hope, however, that the team built over the years remains and the individual Associations can work well to represent the riders, who really don't have the time to deal with so many issues personally."
What goals do you think you have achieved?
We wanted bring the CPA to talk to the UCI, because the president and the secretary went first and no one else had the right to speak. The last meeting, the one in which electronic voting was introduced, was the first in which the president of the UCI spokeI think we've worked well on safety, on the delegates for each country, like Salvato in Italy, on professionalism for women and on the Protocol for adverse weather conditions.
By safety, do you mean the rating on strange riding positions?
We are waiting for the athletes' vote, but I am in favor of banning that dangerous position. A little because Bikes are not designed to support the rider's weight on the top tubeAnd partly because what the pros do is imitated by the kids and it's better to avoid it. Safety, however, is including that of routes and arrivalsThe UCI is closely monitoring the organizers who have not complied with the protocol. 2020 was a difficult year, 2021 will be the same. Cycling was already colder than it used to be, but now the fact of not being able to have contact with the athletes is badLet's hope there are great races and great champions who win, so things will go well.
Does the CPA say anything about wild cards?
In reality, this is a matter for the organizers and the Association of Sports Groups. Last year, to accommodate 25 teams in Sanremo, they were asked to have six riders per team, for a total of 165 riders, and the WorldTours obviously complained. This year, seven riders per team will start: I would be in favor of a group of 200, but the UCI doesn't want it. I don't think the number of riders in the race affects safety..
What will Bugno do if he no longer runs for office?
No role in cycling. I decided right away that I would be a pilot and I studied for that.On March 26th I have the medical examination to get my qualification back and put this period behind me (on April 30th 2020, during the days in which he was piloting the 118 helicopter in Rome, Gianni fell ill following which he was hospitalised at San Camilo and while awaiting tests he was grounded, ed.). AndIt was tough, between the illness I had and Covid. But it went well. I enjoyed the racing and I was lucky enough to do the Giro with the Rai, which I thank. An experience that I enjoyed and made me understand that Commentator isn't my role. I tried, but I'll never do it again.I thank a certain Max, who wrote in a forum: “Bugno, no thanks.” I have to thank him because he confirmed my feeling.
But as president of the CPA, you found yourself on TV talking about the Morbegno strike.
The riders' will was done, but It wasn't easy to manageIt was all organized at the last minute; we knew the night before that they wanted to do something, but not how. We accept the consequences. As president, I should have said something. I take my share of responsibility..
Can't wait to get back in the helicopter?
Really a lot, but I don't know where I'll go. I was at the Giro and then at the 118. We'll see what comes next.And in the meantime, I'm continuing the bike project with my son Alessio. We're currently working on a power-assisted bike. And above all, it's a great way to do things together.
