TURIN – Back to the past. Find Valerio Piva in the flagship has a special flavor for Alessandro De MarchiThe Friulian is already looking towards the future and towards a 2024 that will see him led once again by a sporting director with whom he shared some of the best days of his career. At the end of the medical visits at the Institute of Riba Rehabilitation – Cidimu Group, the Rosso di Buja (at the beginning on the reels, reading a book, in a photo taken from Instagram) revealed to us some behind-the-scenes information and curiosities about this liaison that is renewing, with many beautiful pink dreams: «I always have a bit of an open score with the Giro d'Italia and I like the route».
How did you find out about Valerio Piva's arrival at Jayco-AlUla?
I discovered Valerio by chance, talking to Brent Copeland. I didn't know anything about it and it shocked me., but when he told me I burst into a big smile.
And what did you answer?
I said right away that he was a great addition to the team. It will be a great help from an organizational point of view because Valerio has the ability to see 360°, to know where a team car is, what is the best way to get around a rider, so it is very useful to have someone like that on staff.
And in the running?
The flagship will arrive a person who has the punch and the voice that is needed in certain situations.
So, the first approach won't be easy for your classmates?
You have to learn to know him, because At first it might seem “tough”, but in reality it is the classic sports director who is almost there with you on the bike pedalingValerio puts intensity and passion into his work, making his voice heard.
Can you tell us how important it was for your growth as a rider?
I spent all my years at BMC with him and he was always my sports director of choice.
Any specific anecdotes that connect you?
It's difficult to remember them all because a lot of time has passed, but I remember that In the flagship, on the radio, he was always determined: "Guys, we're doing this."Few words, but always precise and emotionally involved in the race.
An episode that is close to your heart?
When I won the Giro dell'Emilia, a race that I conquered with him in the team carHe had given me carte blanche and said: «You can come to the tour, you're a free hitter, while for the final, there's Dylan Teuns».
How did you run?
As soon as I arrived on the circuit, I immediately decided to attack, maybe even on the first lap and he, a little scared, said to me: «Ok Alessandro, it's still a long way». Then, I managed to get away alone, with almost three laps to go, but he was still very hesitant.: "Be careful, Alessandro, it's still very long." As the laps went by, however (smiles, ed.), he started cheering me on loudly and gave me a boost. I had goosebumps just hearing his voice on the radioOn the bus, when we saw each other after the finish line, he was more incredulous than me. We talked, he admitted: «When you left, I wanted to tell you to wait because I wasn't entirely convinced, but then I understood that I had to trust you and calm you down.».
Have you spoken to him yet?
We have spoken and seen each other several times. It was like meeting someone from the family and I immediately introduced him to the other two Italians., Zana e From Pretto, because I know he will be an important figure, especially for them who are young and will help them in their professional growth.
Do you think Valerio could be a great added value for everyone?
As mentioned, it will be very useful for the Italians, also making De Pretto's inclusion a little softer, while Pippo can only benefit from being guided by such an experienced person from another generation.More generally, at a team level, it will be an important step for all the riders and could make the difference.
