Hirt already knew everything, but he didn't say anything. His agent had received Lefevere's detailed offer immediately after his victory at the Tour of Oman.The Belgian wanted him in his team for Evenepoel, who had not yet won the Vuelta, let alone the Liège or the world championship, but had clear in the head to focus on the Giros. Everything that came after – the victory in Aprica at the Giro and the sixth place finish – was confirmation for both of them that they had made an excellent deal.
Yesterday was It was his birthday and Hirt spent it as one does on the eve of the racesA couple of hours of training. Lunch with the team in a separate wing of the restaurant. Meeting with some journalists interested in his story.
«I'm turning 32 – he joked – everyone tells me I'm a kid, but in cycling I often find myself thinking that I'm old. Anyway, thanks for the good wishes, It's the first time I'm not celebrating at home, but so far away and in a race. I had never started so early."
As we speak, riders returning from longer workouts pass through the hotel lobby, heading to the pool to recharge before showering. Journalists write at the tables in the bar. And after two days of waiting, you begin to recognize the typical coming and going of the incoming race.
Did you accept that offer right away?
Everyone wants to race at Quick Step (the team is called Quick Step from this year) Soudal-Quick Step, ed.), because it is the one in which you can best enhance yourself. I want to find out if I can become a better riderI had already raced with Etixx Continental in 2014, but it had led to nothing. And now I'm in Remco's group to win the GiroIt's a secondary role, but it's equally important and clear. I've done ten Grand Tours in total, I know how it works, and I'm happy to help. It's a role I've already played at Astana and I've enjoyed it. My dream is to win races for myself, but the opportunity had to be seized.
What do you think of Evenepoel now that you experience it up close?
He struck me. He's a good guy, full of self-confidence. In fact, I don't think I've ever seen anyone like him.During the retreats, as long as we were going at a regular pace, we could all easily get along. But as soon as we started doing specific work, the speed difference between him and everyone else was incredible.
This team places a lot of emphasis on teamwork…
The famous Wolfpack, the sense of sacrificing oneself for the other to build something greatIt's important to spend time together, but there are teams where you can live in the same house every day and it doesn't create complicity. Here it really took very little to get along.
Intermarché has the reputation of being a family. Are there any differences compared to the new team?
My old team was a great group of people. I don't make comparisons, but let's say that I understood that I feel good in the Belgian teams. Instead I could never live in Belgium, I would have no training routes and I can't live without climbs.
What did the 2022 Giro represent?
Best run of my life, somehow It also helped me understand new things about myself.I had never had to endure for more than a few days. Winning in Aprica It was special. I don't think that kind of race is a door destined to remain closed. It's true that I'm old (smiles, ed.), but I don't want to stop my career. I might try again.
Last year you said that the Giro d'Italia is your favorite race.
I like Italian climbs and I like the date on which it is run, because in May I have always been very strongIt's not a question of preparation, but of attitude, like those who go very fast in the most torrid heat. I always do well in May and at the end of the season. I adapt well to the cold and to climbs done in the cold.
Will you do the same program as Remco?
Not in every single race, but certainly in the key passages, such as the retreat to high ground before Catalonia. I had never gone to altitude so early and this is perhaps the first difference in preparation. Remco will do the classics, I won't. From here I will go again to the Tour of Oman, he to the UAE Tour. I'm not returning to Oman because I'm particularly keen on defending my title, but because the team decided to send me. Winning it again isn't a goal, the goal until May is the Giro. Remco will surely win something else, He will already take the first test on Friday at Alto de Colorado. But for us in his group, the first goal is the pink jersey.
