Getting in touch with the Tudor Pro Cycling Team, the impression is that of approaching something in great evolutionThe Swiss team wanted by Fabian Cancellara enters the professional training after an apprenticeship in the lower category (where the development branch remains) but this is probably only a step towards a more distant destination, clearly in the top division.
The team was built without looking for big names and considering the medium-long term projects it wouldn't even have been right to do so. We work mainly on young people and we build the infrastructure, precisely because the project is ambitious and long-term.This project also includes Claudio Cozzi, sports director who left the Israel PremierTech and landed in the Swiss team almost by chance.
Just until a few weeks ago, Cozzi had other ideas in his head"I left the Israeli team with the idea of taking some time off," he says, "especially to address some health issues. Instead, I was contacted by Ricardo. Scheidecker, the team's sports manager, who convinced me by presenting the project to me. I found An enthusiastic environment, with that contagious enthusiasm that draws you in. Above all, a new environment.I have never worked on training young talents and the challenge really excites me."
It's something completely different from the Israeli team, also because the average age of that team was much higher.
It is indeed a very different team, based on highly experienced riders who have won a lot in the pastWe had fully trained athletes at our disposal, a top-level schedule, and challenges with the greatest. Here we work on completely different conceptual bases. It means getting back in the game, at least for me.
What struck you most about your approach to the Swiss team?
The utmost professionalism, which I believe is the first ingredient if you really want to grow. We have a really good management and management staff., with a strong desire to grow and, above all, a huge desire to work. We, the sporting directors, are constantly in touch: at least one weekly meeting to analyze each of our riders.
How is the team structured?
We have 20 riders on the team, with 4 coaches. There is a distribution of the various riders among us, we try to keep the various groups united based on their coaches, all people I have seen to be extremely prepared. Then there are a sporting director who is dedicated exclusively to the Devo team, to maintain a supply chain relationship, and this demonstrates that the projects are projected into the future. And then there's Cancellara...
Can you feel his influence on the team?
Enormously. He is a natural leader, with a tremendous charisma that also comes from his exceptional track record. He's instilling in everyone that will to win that was the foundation of his achievements, and it doesn't just apply to riders; we're all infected by it.
There's a balance between the Swiss and foreign teams, with riders from seven other nations. The feeling is that the team is also a tool for the growth of the national movement, much like what we'd hope for in Italy with a WorldTour team.
That's right, Cancellara was clear from the beginning: the project was to create a group that would allow the kids of his country to follow in his footsteps. This is also why the Tudor Pro Cycling project is long-term and aims to reach the WorldTour, for complete that path which will then be available first and foremost to all Swiss children.
What is your impression of the team? What is the overall level?
Very good, there are young players but also experienced players such as Simon. pellaud, who is well known in Italy. Pellaud but also others like Bohli, Kamp, Suter they must be the glue of the team and the reference to allow the younger ones to grow and improve and above all to become more and more familiar with the cycling that counts.
What are the most promising elements?
It would be rude to make a distinction. There are many riders who can do well, including older ones, those who are not here just to think about others but also to find their own opportunities. If I really had to name one, I would mention Robin Froidevaux if only because he is the reigning Swiss champion and because it comes from the victory in the Serenissima Gravel.
Speaking of gravel, how is multi-discipline viewed?
There's no closure, though clearly, as this is a nascent project, steps still need to be taken. The Froidevaux example is indicative, but it's important to consider that road activity is logically primary. Maybe we'll make a few more gravel outings at the end of the season, but time will tell about the rest.
