Domenico Pozzovivo, as we write, is on retreat with the Vf Group Bardiani-CSF-Faizanè on Etna. The Lucanian is preparing to run his eighteenth Tour of Italy, also this one chased and conquered with a late arrival in the Reverberi formation. Unlike other times, Pozzovivo really arrived in extremis to Vf Group-Bardiani, starting its season in March.
«First of all – says “Pozzo” – I would never have thought of running 18 Giro d'Italia, It's a goal that the more I think about it, the more significant it seems to me.But I will approach it with the same attention and enthusiasm as the first one. Over the years I have maintained this mentality and I am happy about it. One of the reasons for wanting to run in 2024 was the great desire that pushed me to do so.».
What was the hardest part of this approach?
Biomechanics. Every time I change gear—bike, shoes, saddle, and everything else—I have to make adjustments. After the 2019 accident it has become a fundamental and very difficult phase, but I'm fully aware of it. Arriving in a new team and running straight away was a risky choice, but the right oneThe approach to the Giro is exactly as I imagined it.
What did you focus on the most?
On finding the right sensations in the saddle. Every year I have managed to build a good feeling with the bike and the materialsIt was important to do it again this year. The thing I need to focus on most is having a less mobile left arm. As a result, I have less strength and this affects my right hip during support phaseBut I have to say I found the right balance.
You started from the Tirreno, not an easy race…
I was the only one making my debut in that race. All the other athletes in the group were at least on their seventh day of racing. But it was the best thing to doI rediscovered my eye for racing. My main concern in those days was safety, avoiding falls. I was often, more than usual (he says with a laugh, ed.) at the back of the group, which penalized me.
In what sense?
From a performance point of view, running at the end does not help, it's much more tiring, especially in today's cyclingThis increased effort helped me improve.
What level was the condition at?
I trained at home, independently, until I signed the contract with Reverberi. I felt good, I considered my fitness level satisfactory.I've changed my schedule a bit compared to what I've done in recent years. I didn't go through Tour of the Alps and Liege but I preferred to run the Tour of AbruzzoThe choice was due to the fact that Abruzzo was raced first and I had more time to come to the altitude to prepare for the Giro.
How is it going?
The sensations grow day by day. The altitude period is two weeks, except for Pellizzari, Covili and Fiorelli who arrived laterPersonally, the way I work has changed a bit, in the sense that with TotA and Liège before the Giro there were few specific training sessions. Now that the last race ended on April 12th, I've had more time, so I found myself doing more race pace work. Then before coming to Etna I had already climbed to a higher altitude, 3.200 metres.I stayed for a week and it did me good.
What will be your goal at the Giro?
It would be great to finish in the top 10, a result that would be incredibly satisfying at my age. Furthermore, a spot in that section of the standings would be a source of pride and visibility for the team. I will have many young companions at my side, I think that during the three weeks I will be a point of reference for them. In particular I think I can teach a lot to Pellizzari, on the road we will often be close given our physical caliber.
You're on your eighteenth Giro, he's on his first: how does that make you feel?
This is his first Giro d'Italia, but it's a very different cycling style than my debut in the Corsa Rosa. I had to worry about staying upright and finishing the three weeks of the race. Pellizzari, on the other hand, arrives ready and with every chance of aiming for a stage victoryHaving me by his side will take some pressure off him and he will be able to run more lightly. I'll also be a bit of a lightning rod for him..
