The passage of Matteo Sobrero laid down by the Red Bull-Bora to the Lidl Trek He's one of the most curious and, if you like, even fascinating for us Italians. The Piedmontese is an excellent time trialist, a trusted man, and a member of the national team: see him join the team Luca Guercilena It can only make us happy. After all, Italians are always well protected at Lidl-Trek.
Matthew tells us this very passage. A change of side that happened relatively quickly and smoothly in the second part of the summer. From Sobrero, we want to understand what convinced him to choose the American team and what he is going to do in this squad.
Let's start with the past: Matteo, was your contract expiring? Did you want (or could you) stay at Red Bull?
Let's say there was the idea of staying. But then the team took on Remco and other projects arose. At the same time, Lidl-Trek showed interest and I was immediately struck by this. I've always seen them as a united team: a great group, both among the riders and as a whole, perhaps when we were together in the hotel or on the bus. It seemed to me that there was harmony.
Why wasn't that the case in Red Bull-Bora?
I got along really well with the other guys, especially with Giulio (Pellizzari, ed.) and Primoz (Roglic, ed.).But every year there was a reshuffle, athletes arriving or leaving, and in that sense the idea of a group faded a little. It was harder to perceive it.
The pickups will start again in earnest soon. Have you had the chance to spend time with Lidl-Trek yet?
Yup, I spent a few days in Germany, at a Lidl branch. There we carried out the usual medical checks and other logistical procedures.
And what did you think of this environment?
It's very large and well-equipped: I don't think it's lacking anything. They're investing heavily and aiming high. Even in preparation and nutrition, they are very cutting edge: Those few days gave me great reassurance. It's clear there's a plan for the future.
What do you think this project is?
They aspire to be the best, like the UAE Team Emirates. And as they themselves had aspired when leader was the Visma-Lease a Bike. They want to race to win. It's a given, perhaps, but it's very important to me.
So, technically, you're on the same wavelength. What about the harmony you glimpsed from the outside?
It's clear that I was only there a few days, but What struck me is that yes, they are a top-level team, but there is also a stronger human relationship. It's something I think Red Bull-Bora was missing last year. But it happens: in many teams. Ultimately they are companies and you have to perform.
What will your role be in this new team? Will you be part of the "Ciccone group" or the "Ayuso group"?
It's too early to tell! We haven't talked about it in detail yet. but I think I'll be more or less the same figure I was at Red Bull: a support rider in the Grand Tours. Although “support” doesn’t necessarily mean I’ll always be at the beck and call of a ranking man.
Can you explain better what you mean?
There are many champions at Lidl-Trek. I could help a rider for the general classification or maybe Nys, Pedersen, Milan… Not as the last man, obviously. Or, logically, I could also be useful to riders like Ayuso, Ciccone... In short, a flexible profile.
And do you like this role?
Yes, I enjoy working for my teammates, especially if they're champions who know how to finish. So I'll be a support player, but when the opportunity arises, I'll be able to take my chances. A bit like what happened this year in Poland: I had my space and I went to the podium. I know I can express myself in certain races: week-long stage races with a time trial can be good for me. But I can also have my say in some one-day races. Besides, they were looking for a profile just like mine.
And what can you tell us about the new bike? The Trek Madone certainly doesn't go unnoticed...
I say it "speaks English"! Jokes aside, it's a top bike, just like the one I come from. I've been curious about Treks for a while now, and I'd always check them out in a group. Maybe when I was riding back to the team car, or in a group during the rare quieter moments, I'd glance at them. Then we athletes exchange technical opinions and I like to keep up to date.
