The first three seasons of professionalism changed his gaze and voice. Andrea Bagioli is still 23 years old and has a significant amount of experienceFifteen wins in two years as a junior, eleven in two years as an U23. Twice the Vuelta and in 2022 his debut at the Tour. The World Cup in the last three years: two with Cassani and one with Bennati. Four victories as a pro, the last one in Catalonia leaving behind important names. Meantime, a series of accidents along the way which did not allow him to be consistent. And since the contract expires at the end of the year, the feeling of wanting to shake off bad luck and aim higher is the constant note in his words (in the opening, he is with Tim Declercq).
Will it be more about raising the bar or about not constantly stopping due to various problems?
Both things. After three years, it's time to raise the bar a bit. and prove something more. I've already done something, though. something is always missing. Last season was so-so, I've never been consistent for various Health problems, between covid and bronchitis. So let's hope we don't have any ups and downs and always stay at a medium/high level.
Now that the Covid problem appears more manageable, will we be able to run more calmly?
I hope so, I see that there is less anxiety in the team too. We still try to be careful, but it's not like last year or two years ago (Andrea turned professional in 2020, during the first Covid outbreak, ed.). Even mentally, at least for me, this means a lot. You are more relaxed, there is less fear.
Did you choose the 2023 program or did they choose it for you?
A little bit of both. I told them where I wanted to leave and they tried to accommodate me.I will start in Mallorca, then I would like to do Drome and Ardeche, for arrive ready in Italy for Strade Bianche and Tirreno-AdriaticoDrome and Ardeche will be a good test. I won Drome, they are rolling courses perfect for me. Of course, doing well in Mallorca wouldn't be bad either, but let's say that... the main goal is to be in good shape from March to April, until the classics.
A change of preparation, in short…
I spoke to the trainer this winter and I told him I wanted to start a little slowerIn other years I was already going strong in November/December and would arrive in shape maybe by the end of January, beginning of February. Then it was normal for me to arrive in decline for March and AprilSo this year we started off much more slowly. Until the first few days of the year I was always working, but not excessively. Then, from the retreat in Calpe, we are starting to do some specific work, having in the meantime taken care above all of endurance.
How do you find space in a team so full of number ones?
You must go strong, because when you have Alaphilippe or Remco in the team, it's not easy to find spaces. It's normal to start with them as captains, so I have to find a way out, show that I'm strong in the established period and then find the right moment, perhaps, to bring it forward.
Does the expiring contract also require you to look around or is the goal to be confirmed?
Both things. You can look around or you can just stay, everything is being evaluated. But it's still early, we usually start talking about it in spring, around April or May.
When did you see Andrea at his strongest?
I think I saw it this year at Dauphiné TourI didn't win but I was really strong (thanks to his good performances, the call for the Tour came, ed.). Or even in Canada, in Montreal, when I came third.
Is the goal to win or to be useful?
If necessary, I will make myself useful, but honestly I want to win. For now I still have that character, I want victoryThen, if over the years I see that it's not really my field, I'll make myself available to the team.
Perhaps this is the reasoning behind the abundance of samples and the limited space?
It is likely to be one of the factors to take into account for the future. Having these champions around certainly has an impact.If I were another team, maybe it would be different.
In 2023, no Giro and still Tour?
Maybe the Tour, but it's still too early to say. We'll see after the classics, after LiègeI'm sorry to miss the Giro, because Racing in Italy would be the best for me and I've never done the GiroBut on the other hand I also understand the team, who wants to focus everything on Remco.
How do you see the world champion?
I'll tell you, I see him calmer and more relaxed. He seemed more tense and a little more nervous the first year I was here. Now, even though he has won everything or almost everything, I see him calm. He's always nice in training, but also outside.He talks, jokes, laughs… I get along well with him.
