After five seasons Gabriele Tosello finds Vincenzo Nibali. With the mechanic of theAstana We talked about technical changes regarding the Shark During this period of time, we now want to know how much (and if) the Sicilian has changed from a "human" point of view, that is, with regards to various obsessions or particular requests.
Old “vices” (or virtues?)
"Ninth… Vincenzo is always the same – Tosello begins – And this surprised me! I thought that after so many years, so many victories, he had lost his edge a bit. I'm not saying I expected to find a guy who didn't give a damn anymore, but maybe someone who was less focused. Instead he's the usual nitpicker!
Anyone who knows him knows that Nibali is a true enthusiast of technique, so much so that he's a good mechanic. One time we were at the San Pellegrino Pass, he was on a training camp up there with Astana. After the interviews were over (that time it was his turn) Kangert) we took advantage of the opportunity to ride through the Dolomites too and before jumping on the saddle he adjusted the gears for us himself. It was Agnoli suggesting that we ask Nibali.
«Vincenzo is as curious as ever – continues Tosello – He observes everywhere, he takes the keys in his hand, he examines every type of wheel, expresses his opinion on this or that gear."
Mechanics' lounge
«It's clear – continues “Toso” – that he's happy to find the environment he left behind and where he felt at ease. I see him as very calm, very relaxed. Even here in Spain, once we got the materials and set up the bikes for him, he jumped on the saddle and had nothing to say. Only the first day has lowered the saddle a couple of millimeters.
"Then, starting in March, with his races approaching and all the other more important things, maybe he'll be more serious, but for now that we're in training camp, he's really calm. There's a good feeling. Imagine, maybe he'll do four hours, come back, and start talking to us mechanics. Few other riders do that."
Tosello talks about a Nibali who asks questions. What does he have to say…
«We talked about the new group of ShimanoHe told me he really likes the new one, that he found it faster than last year's. We discussed the gears on this gearbox."
The Filante was launched in 2021 and is Wilier's fastest bike yet. 
The 0 SLR is the most versatile bike from the Venetian brand
The Filante was launched in 2021 and is Wilier's fastest bike yet. 
The 0 SLR is the most versatile bike from the Venetian brand
Filante or 0 SLR?
In these days of retreat in Spain Nibali is testing the different bikes that Wilier makes available to Astana.
«The kids – continues Tosello – all have only one bike at their disposal. Some have the Spinning, others have the 0 SLR, but the leaders, Moscon, Lutsenko and Nibali, in fact, has both available. Not only that, but in January, materials permitting, the three of them should also have the gravel version, the Rave SLR.
«Vincenzo these days he's changing bikes about halfway through the ride. After a couple of hours he stops and takes the Filante, if he started with the 0 SLR and vice versa.
Which one does he like best? I think the 0 SLR, for its handling and lightness. I feel good with it, he told me. But he also said the Filante is better for slightly faster races. The measurements are identical on both.
"Don't worry, Nibali is always on the ball!"
