Did the podium at the Giro di Lombardia mark a turning point in Giulio Ciccone's career or was it the logical consequence of a smooth run? 2024 was not a particularly lucky year for the Abruzzese, who had to stop right at the start of the season due to double surgery on his saddle. He was about to leave for Teide, but suddenly he was no longer able to get on his bike. It took a month of downtime, which ruined his winter work and made sure that the Lidl-Trek rider he returned to the group at the Tour de Romandie. From then on, the season was a race for form, with a good Dauphiné, a couple of excellent placings at the Tour and then unfortunately the withdrawal from the Vuelta due to a fall and the consequent pain in my knee.
"The podium at Lombardy – explains Ciccone – it was simply an excellent result in a transitional season. Given how things were going, last year was a season in which everything that came would have been an extra, given the double operation in January and the resumption of training in March. This time, however, I had a good winter, working very calmly."
Ready to debut
The start of the season saw him starting from a rather high base, if it is true that al UAE Tour of the debut, he was the best behind PogacarHe followed him at a distance in the uphill finish of Jebel Jais and held his ground until the end. in Jebel Hafeet, ultimately losing by just 33 seconds. The Slovenian is a master of sprint starts and his rivals are also moving in his direction.
«The ability to be ready for the first races – explains Ciccone – is now due to the preparations that are made in an increasingly precise and detailed manner. Once upon a time, training was started later and more calmly, now there is practically no intermediate phase anymore. When you start again, after a week you are already down to specific work schedules and intensities. This is why we arrive at the first races with an already high level and consequently there are no more preparatory races".
Defeated, but not surrendered
Can finishing second behind a phenomenon like the Slovenian world champion be considered a victory? His presence at the races makes everything very relative, yet the driving force behind the rivals is certainly not to surrender last. Somewhere in their minds there must be the drive to win and give their all: otherwise how can you train at the highest level?
«To tell the truth – says Ciccone with great realism and a bit of resignation – Pogacar is the only rider you can't compete with.. And of a devastating superiority, so comparing yourself to him is pointless. There's no match, no matter how good you feel, you already know that he will take you off wherever and whenever he wantsWhat does it feel like when it goes away and you feel like you're out of breath? It's a combination of factors, but especially the legs: you can't give up with your headI know it's bad, but that's the harsh truth. That said, It doesn't mean giving up or not fightingThe desire to win is never lacking, it's an instinct you have inside. It's a personal thing."
The Ciccone of the Giro
Those who follow him in his preparation warn to keep themselves free for the Giro d'Italia, because Ciccone of 2025 will arrive in great shapeBut for a couple of seasons now, Giulio has learned to keep his sensational statements to himself and prefers not to go too far. When you're working to be the leader of a team that has grown so great over the years, it's best to let performances speak for themselves first.
«There are many events where I expect to do well before the Giro – he says – the Tirreno-Adriatico, the Sanremo, Tour of the Alps, Liège… There are many important and beautiful races. With the arrival of Lidl, the team has definitely changed paceThe workforce has become more important, the level has risen significantly, and obviously investments are bringing results in terms of development and performance. Decisions are still entrusted to managers, but when there are no problems and the condition is good, I am entrusted with the role of leader. And the leader doesn't move randomly, he can't do stupid things or attack instinctively without sense. In some cases, you have to change the way you run to optimize the result."
