Valerio Conti he will be a new rider on the team corratec, a team born last season as a continental team that from 2023 it will be professional. The Roman rider is the first prominent name to join Parsani's court, there is a lot of curiosity about where this project can go.. Conti comes in fact fromAstana, where he raced for only one season, last season.
How are you Valerio?
Well, come on, these days I've been in a physiotherapy center to treat some problems I've had. It is a protrusion in the back involving the sciatic nerve, which has affected me for most of 2022, from the Giro onwards. Now I've solved the problem, but prevention and treatment are not to be underestimated, so we've done treatments, unblocking exercises, and exercises in preparation for the start of the season.
You only raced for Astana for one year, why?
Initially I got along well, but in recent times there have been some misunderstandings from the Giro d'Italia onwards. These then led to the consensual termination of the contract at the end of the season.. However, I wanted to honor the commitment I made to the fullest.
Now you're at Corratec, how did the contact come about?
It all started at the end of the season, it's something completely new. Together with my agent Carera I was looking for a team and talking to Parsani we had the feeling that Corratec was the right choice for meI spoke with all the managers, I speak with Frassi almost every day, he talked to me about the technical situations and explained the project to me. Sometimes he asks me for some advice even if the season hasn't started yetIt's a team that listens a lot to the riders and their feelings.
What convinced you?
The human aspect first and foremost, without knowing what kind of contract I'm working with, this is a professional who's growing. I wanted to find an environment with a lot of humanity and humility. They are very convinced that they are creating a good project and they are contacting many ridersAmong the others, there are also two who have just signed contracts with WorldTour teams. I thought about the human aspect: I wanted to be on a team that believed in me and had a humble and sincere spirit.
Corratec is a team that already had an interesting calendar last year with many races abroad...
We'll talk about the races later and make a plan. One of our goals will definitely be to get an invitation to the Giro d'Italia. It won't be easy, but we'll work hard to deserve it. Even racing abroad helps and has now become important to have a high level, the level is high in all races now, so you have the opportunity to build your form on the run.
Since it's a professional team, it's possible that some young players will arrive.
Yes, my role will also be to be a team player. They hired me because they consider me an intelligent person with a lot of experience. I'll be able to teach the younger players something.
The past seasons haven't been easy, after the pink jersey in 2019 you had some difficulties.
This is true and there's no denying it. In 2020, due to the limited number of rides I took due to Covid, I struggled to find the right pedal stroke. In 2021 I had some physical problems at the beginning of the season and on top of that I didn't have a great feeling with the UAEFrom 2019 to (almost) 2023, time has flown by, the goal is to rediscover the serenity and pleasure of running.
Morally, what years have they been?
Not simple – he smiles bitterly – obviously when you don't do your best you're sorry. An athlete is not happy when he doesn't reach one hundred percent., I have never been unhappy but not enthusiastic either.
You moved to a WorldTour team, Lampre, when you were young. Maybe you missed the intermediate step?
It's a very subjective thing. Now, if you're a high-profile rider, you don't notice the transition. On the contrary, if you are a "normal" rider, moving to a WorldTour rather than a professional one is more difficult.. You are not always followed or listened to completely. I in lampre I was lucky; I was able to ride right away. From a human perspective, Lampre was like a professional team. Aside from being able to ride right away, from a human perspective, it was worth a lot.
Would you say that the world of cycling has changed so much in recent years?
From 2014 to 2022, the world of professional sports has changed. We're moving faster because everyone is forced to do things perfectly. There is no room for error, especially since the contracts are for two years., the margin for repair is minimal if not non-existent.
Would our young people need an Italian WorldTour?
Yes, Lampre was an Italian team, with an Italian squad and a more relaxed and serene atmosphere. Our kids would probably be better looked after or at least they would have more chances of being heard.
