«If I were a classics rider – says Tafi – I would want to race there. La team by Patrick Lefevere is a reference. Maybe they're not the Jumbo Visma with all that money. But for the classics and the sprinters they're number one. Cavendish is gone, but he had to go back there to be the protagonist again».
The ideal team
It was said the other day, writing the piece on Tafi's advice to Ballerini for the Roubaix, of how the discussion had taken off, going to explore because the Canturino will benefit from running in such a squadron. Andrea raced with Lefevere when the Belgian manager was also at Mapei and with him he won Roubaix.
«In his group – he explains – there are people who provide the right motivation. If you get there as a good rider, they are capable of increasing your potential.It would be my team again, like it was in its time. If I were still a rider for those types of races, the classics, I would stay there even if it meant earning a little less. You can leave to cash in, but the risk of disappearing is too high. It's better to have a team around you that you can play a leading role with."
The eye on the Giri
He admits to speaking to Lefevere often. Tafi continues to frequent places in the North and when you are part of the circle of those champions, even after years you still feel part of the familyYou enjoy special recognition. That of the people who stop you for an autograph, that of the environment.
«It's true – he admits – Patrick and I often talk and He told me that he is now raising the bar towards stage races too.. If you have a evenepoel so, you can't do otherwise. And recently he told me that If he had the budget of the most prestigious teams, he would also be able to lead the Giro d'ItaliaHe's a motivator, he knows how to build a team. Every strategy they implement is certainly aimed at commercial gains, but also at creating the right mix. And at these levels, motivation makes the real difference.».
Friend of all
"And then did you notice something?" Tafi raises the stakes and we are struck by curiosity: what should we have paid attention to?
«Even though he is one of the most prestigious managers – he replies with Tuscan wit – Patrick he manages to be friends with everyone. He's not pretentious, he always has a joke for everyone. He knows everyone and remembers everyone. After so many years, he has an incredible charisma. “I'm the manager – he often says – but I also know how to be with the team”. He surrounded himself with people made in his image and transmits his personality to them. This way the team always has the right environment."
