Davide Formolo said thank you to UAE Team Emirates e he accepted a three-year contract at Movistar Our TeamHe will help Enric Mas, but since the Spaniard is less… versatile than Pogacar, the rest of the time the Venetian will be able to have his space. The two victories at the end of the season (first the Agostoni and then the Veneto Classic) confirmed the validity of the choiceAnd when you tell him that his former mentor – that Daniele Tortoli who brought him to the professional level and then left too soon – would have suggested that he try it sooner, Rock gives a big, melancholy smile.
Piepoli's hand
There is something behind the offer the paw of Leonardo Piepoli, coach of Mas and for years also of Formolo. The Apulian is also a sort of advisor for both of them and for the Veronese his role is even more precious, after the death of Tortoli and that of Mauro Battaglini, who was his attorney and also his advisor.
«The trainer is something that goes beyond the simple table – he reflects – From my point of view, he is the only person you can talk to when you have doubts. It's a fast-changing world and they must always be ready to support you or give you advice."
We'll come back to this point, we tell him, better to proceed step by step. Davide has recently returned from the Tour de France circuits to Singapore e SaitamaSince school is out of the question, exotic vacations are out of the question, so the family is also rushing to the Orient. He says it was fun, that he's already been to the Japan Cup, but never to these crowded events. As well as Trentin, who left the UAE to join Tudor Pro Cycling, Formolo also going to Movistar suggests a desire for greater freedom.
How long had you been thinking about making a change?
It actually is one thing I had never considered, because at the UAE it's fineIt's a really strong and close-knit group of guys. But then, at a certain point, this opening was created. They contacted me from Spain and after a while I convinced myself and gave in.It was all done before I won the two races, it had been talked about for a while.
What was Piepoli's real role?
Definitely have him it was the final pushIn all sports, the athlete must have a point of reference and he has been that for me since my first years as a professional. He followed me in training and knows how to handle me better than anyone on a psychological level.Going to Movistar reminds me of a son returning to his father, in a certain sense. His constant talking about the team as a peaceful environment convinced me to consider the proposal. Finally, we discussed it. various tactical scenarios related to my employment.
Have they already told you that, once you've finished working for Mas, you'll have more space for yourself?
Definitely at Movistar have fewer leaders than at the UAE Emirates, so I can get some chanceAnd then I could definitely be the captain's sidekick in a major Giro, and that could close the circle. I will do my one-day races, where I have shown that I can do well., and I will be important for the leader in the stage races. I think this is the right size for a rider of my profile.
Why didn't you move earlier, when you were younger?
I didn't settle into the role of follower. I've had my chances and I've even won a few times.Winning, however, brings with it the desire to win, and this also influenced the choice. But when you have five of the strongest riders in the world in your team, the spaces inevitably get narrower..
Did you and Piepoli talk about what your role might be?
Working for a rider trained by him gives me confidence. It means going back to doing things like we used to, when the captain had the same trainer and the same director of the riders that he will have around him in the most important eventWe'll have a similar approach to the races; we'll be a group. Mas has three second-place finishes at the Vuelta, and this year too, despite finishing sixth, he was in the group of four competing for the podium behind the three from Jumbo-Visma, who were competing in another sport.
Trentin left the team, attracted by a three-year contract at Tudor. You also had three years at Movistar: after thirty, is the length of the contract a factor to consider?
Once you're over thirty, every year is a bit of a war, so to speak. We managed to sign for three years, because maybe… I have shown that when I am calm, I can give my best. In this sense, I think Movistar is the right team for a rider with my personality. I have known Unzue, we shook hands: he's a super calm personHaving the trust of a team like this for three years is not an everyday thing.
Do you already know what your schedule will be?
I should start from the Saudi Tour and I think that I will do the Tour, having to be the shoulder for MasThe Tour is more demanding than the Giro, so I think he'll choose to go to France. The last week is really tough. Furthermore, the Tour starting from Italy is truly a dream for an Italian.I'll anticipate the next question: I also know that the first 3-4 places in the Tour are already almost assigned and perhaps by coming to the Giro Mas could think of winning it. But He is an important asset for the team and it is foreseeable that he will equally focus everything on the Tour.
What do you leave behind in the old team?
The group in the corridors is really close-knit. Despite being the strongest team in the world, it still remains of Italian origin and we should be proud of it.
Which of your classmates did you first tell that you were leaving?
Maybe Pogacar himself. He was a little surprised, then... he thought about it again and said that we could still train together anywayMaybe more than now because we will find ourselves having to make a similar schedule.
