Il Team Corratec She's changing her face and joining the professional ranks next year. This is an important step for the team led by Serge. Parsani, which is building a framework suitable for the new location, because Moving from one category to another changes a lot and above all the growth in the level of commitments requires an adequate structure.
Parsani has seen a lot in his life, first as a rider and then as a manager, and he knows well that even the smallest change (which isn't so small after all...) causes profound transformations.
«Just think – he explains – about the economic aspect. To make a good quality continental car, a budget of one million euros is sufficient, for a professional car you need at least triple that amount.And it's not easy, also because the sponsors are rightly demanding and want more, in terms of visibility through results. We have to submit the guarantees, it's a long and demanding process that takes up a lot of our days even now that the races aren't taking place."
Does the situation also change from a numerical point of view, that is, from the point of view of contracts to be stipulated?
Yes, we previously had 16 riders, now we'll need to exceed twenty. The UCI has given us its approval, and by mid-November we'll have to present a base of 10 riders and six management staff members. We'll complete the roster by the end of the year. We have to work hard to... build a team that is up to the task, considering that our calendar will change a lot And we'll be competing against WorldTour teams most of the time. It won't be easy to find the space to shine, but we definitely want to succeed.
How much will change in the new team?
We plan to retain at least 4-5 members of the old group, particularly those under 23 who have shown a desire to work and interesting prospects. Stefano will definitely remain in our roster. Gandin and the Serbian Veljko Stojnic, like the young Matteo Amela. For the rest, we are looking for riders who can guarantee performance.
How are you moving?
We are analyzing the situations of several dozen riders. There are many without a contract, many who are coming off a difficult year. and let's try to understand why and if they can redeem themselves through us. However, we must take into account that We need people who are up to the task of the schedule we are about to face.I do not deny that we are also waiting to understand What evolution will Gianni Savio's team take?, in case he cannot confirm many of his players, we will try to bring them some from us.
How many Italians do you expect to have in your ranks?
At least half the roster. We are an Italian team and we want to demonstrate this also with a core of local riders., especially considering the difficult times our cycling industry is experiencing. Given equal performance, we'd prefer to have an Italian rider in our ranks. It's only right to do what we can to give vent to the passion of so many young people.
In this regard, are you planning to have a young team in terms of average age?
This is certain, without forgetting that we also need experienced people, especially given the calendar we are about to face.We care about taking young people and helping them grow until they reach a point in the WorldTour, being the key to making their dreams come true. The example of Rajović (Serbian national champion, 7 times winner this year who will reach the Bahrain Victorious(ed.) is a manifesto of what we want and can do. If a rider moves up a category, it's a reward for the team's work.
You have a long experience in cycling: comparing the situation to when you were on the other side of the fence, as a rider, is it more difficult today to find space among the professionals?
Yes, for the simple reason that back then there were many more teams in Italy and finding a team was easier if you had something to contribute in terms of commitment, passion, and desire to give your all. Today everything is more difficult, even for the same agents who go to pick up the riders as juniors but then have to manage to place themAnd it's not easy for us either, but we prefer to move forward by looking among those without a contract if we see untapped potential.
Is the registry card a discriminating factor?
Not absolutely. We'll have a low average age, but that doesn't mean we won't also take on experienced athletes, even 26-27-year-old riders who haven't had their chance yet. The important thing is that we are “hungry”, that we want to improve by giving our all. You help a young rider grow, but with a rider who is already weaned you have to work on what he has and can give.
What kind of riders are you looking for?
People, as mentioned, who want to show off. For example, we cannot look for a young sprinter, because we will not be able to put a train at his disposalWe need to bring in riders who know how to seek results in every situation. We'd love to have some riders who have already tasted the high level, but we can't afford them unless they're looking to relaunch their career and fit within our budget.
Will you follow the Italian calendar?
It would be absurd not to do so, considering we're an Italian team, but we'll also look abroad; we're selecting the invitations. For example, We will debut in January with the South American races, the Vuelta al Tachira and the Vuelta a San Juan.
What if an invitation to the Giro d'Italia arrives?
I don't deny that we hope so, we know it's difficult but if the RCS helps us... However, we must do our part, demonstrate that we are worthy of taking part in it, not just by being present., but to try to bring home some satisfaction. So yes...
