March 16, 2024, the day when Valerio Piva he was biting his hands over the Sanremo that fell through. The more you watch that ending, the more you notice the nuances that they have Michael Matthews was prevented from reaching the finish line on Via RomaAnd it's hard to understand if the technician's tone of voice Team Jayco-AlUla let disappointment or anger prevail. It continues Our gallery of unfinished projects (told by sporting directors) and this time the first Monument of last season is up for grabs.
«We could have won – says Piva – but from a certain point of view Matthews was correct, because he did not insist on holding Philipsen on the ropeHe was within his rights because he was in front, but instead he opened the door for him and obviously the other one went through. Instead then In Flanders he was disqualified from third place for a slight movement, but that's another story."
Pidcock is caught at the start of the sprint. First Stuyven and then Matthews in first person suck the group into a violent acceleration. The Australian he has always dreamed to win the Sanremo: he moves to the left of the straight, but instead of holding the line he moves away. Also because at the most beautiful moment, as he looks down, his glasses slip offThe slightest hesitation allows Philipsen to slip in, move up, and then beat him with a back kick.
Could we win?
It was an option, clearly Michael was one of the possible candidates. But at the moment, second place is fine for you, because at the beginning you never know if you can win.. Then seeing how the ending went, it's clear that losing Sanremo in that way really stings. I won it in the same way with Cavendish in 2009, when he beat Haussler. And I imagine that in the latter's entourage there was someone who at that moment felt like meIt's not nice to lose a race of this level and importance like that.
Is there any room for maneuver for the flagship once the race returns to the Aurelia after the descent of the Poggio?
Not even a little. From the car you see television images that are already delayed, plus it's intermittent. Then you listen to the radio, but at those moments they don't give much information. So we too remain silent or else they cheer us on and give final recommendations. But you can't guide the rider or tell him exactly what to do, from then on it's up to them to decide.. Plus, I didn't watch TV, and I didn't even see what happened in the sprint. I then heard the finish line and found out he'd finished second. But then... seeing the video, it started to burn even more.
Would you say that Matthews is a bandit in sprinting or is he very fair?
From what I've gotten to know him this year, he seems a little endearing at times. From the outside, I've always thought he was a real mastiff, a tough dog, one of those tough ones. When I had Van Avermaet, I fought with him and Sagan. I always thought he was really tough, but getting to know him and hearing what they say in the team, it turns out he's always a bit doubtful. He is a rider with a lot of class and that's why he gets his results.: you can tell him anything except that he's incorrect. In fact, unfortunately, it's the opposite...
Did you watch the ending again on the bus? Did you talk about it again?
Usually after the race there is a debriefing, which to Sanremo It's pretty quick, because you leave, you're already on the plane, and you're going home. Usually, our system, for example in stage races, is to meet on the bus about fifteen minutes before reaching the hotel. It helps the riders talk. He is reminded what the tactic was and asks why it was not implemented.And if someone has made a mistake, they should then admit it. It's usually a very productive discussion, because it allows a disagreement or misunderstanding to be resolved right there. That day, Matthews was sorry and told the ending from his point of view. He pointed out that his glasses had fallen off and that in that moment of hesitation, the other one had burned them. Finishing second would be a good result for many, but when you have the chance to win, it's clear that the reaction is different.
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