The rooster crows in the background, but that doesn't stop Filippo Zana from telling us about his first approaches with the new team, the BikeExchange-Jayco which will soon be Jayco-AlUla. The Italian champion is passionate about animals and before going out on his bike he goes to groom them. And the rooster often intervenes in the interview!
The Venetian rider is one of the Italian jewels for whom the doors of the WorldTour have opened. It took just a few days of retreat to understand that everything has changed, that everything is different. But despite his happiness, Filippo immediately understood that he had to roll up his sleeves.
Filippo, first moments with the new team, what can you tell us?
I have to say that I had a really good time. I didn't expect to find myself like this from the start. Instead, they welcomed me as if I'd always been there, even though my English isn't great. But slowly, slowly, I'm getting used to it. They also told me not to worry: "You'll see, in a month or two you'll learn quickly." And in fact, by the end of the first retreat, in ten days, I was already improving. No, no... I'm very, very happy and motivated.
Why didn't you think you'd be so happy? What challenges did you expect?
Well, with the change of team itself, maybe at the beginning it was a bit hard to settle in. It's something new. But I immediately felt part of the team.
Your reference technician is Marco Pinotti...
We've put together a part of the calendar. Marco helped me understand some things at the beginning. Sometimes he was the one who explained them better.
What was a typical day like during your retreat? And what differences did you notice compared to last year?
Always wake up around 8:30 because in Spain, as we know, it's convenient! Breakfast was ready even earlier, since We had our own chefs, and that alone is a difference from the past. Having a chef on the team is a whole different story: you always eat well, always as recommended by the nutritionist, and everything is top-quality. Then around 10:00 we'd set off on our bikes. We'd come back in the early afternoon and always find food ready. The table was set up with whatever the nutritionist recommended. I've been really happy with the food, and I think this will make a big difference. Then massages and dinner. But we'd meet up with the other guys a little earlier: we'd talk, we'd bond. And speaking of the group, I think that for being the first retreat, there's already a great atmosphere.
What did you do on the bike?
A nice block of work with many hours in the saddle. Little specific work, but lots of kilometers. They had divided us into groups. I was with the one who was doing a little better on the climbs, but every now and then they mixed us up, also to help us get to know each other better. And when they mixed us up there were also sprinters, since the intensities weren't very high.
And Filippo, how did it go in terms of the bike and the technical aspects? Did you adapt to the new bike right away?
Oh my goodness, yes! I was very happy with this aspect too. Any need is met and having this continuous conversation with mechanics or with representatives of Giant themselves It's inspiring that they participate so much. They're always asking us how they can improve the bike.
Talking to the mechanics, needs… was there anything you had to work on to find the right balance?
Let's say with the new bike I didn't find the ideal position right away; it took me a month or so. And once I found it, I tried to improve it even further. In the end, everything was new. Now it's fine, in fact very good. I lowered the saddle a little and also moved it forward a little., so as to have an even stronger push.
And the time trial bike?
We've been working on it since the very beginning. And that's also been a big difference from last year. I used it once during last year's retreat. I don't have it at home now because it didn't make sense to take it away and then bring it back to Spain in ten days. During the retreat we did some team time trials And another block of work is planned for January, also with the time trial bike. We've already seen that it makes a difference.
Earlier, Filippo, you said you and Pinotti had worked on some programs. What can you tell us?
I'll start at the Ruta del Sol, then I'll do two one-day races in France, the Strade Bianche, maybe the Milan-Turin and in theory I'm on the list for Catalunya.
And the Tour of Italy?
I hope so! We are still planning everything carefully.
While we wait for Simon Yates, is there anyone who has impressed you in training camp?
I can say that when Stybar he came by to shoot and made himself heard! He's truly a great professional. The next training camp will be important when we're all there. But it's great to train with great champions. It's an extra motivation to push hard.
