Flashscore: You’re turning 30 soon, and this isn’t your first pre-season. How do you stay motivated during the winter?
Matteo Moschetti: "Every time there’s a break, I feel that urge, that sense of a fresh start, especially since there have been quite a few changes in the team. That’s a big source of motivation; the team is growing, and we have important goals. Winter is the foundation for preparing well for the season. I don’t know why, but the start of the season always suits me. That’s another factor. I love riding and training, but I’m also a competitor, and that’s why I give my best during the winter."
When you joined the team, did you expect it to progress this much?
"In 2023, it was a brand new team, even though I knew the boss was very ambitious. We’ve made good progress every year. Last season, we took a big step forward, especially with Tom Pidcock joining and making the podium at the Vuelta."
In 2023, you won the Clasica de Almeria just after joining. Did that give your career a new boost?
"That was an important win for me and for the team. Winning in just the second or third race really marked the start of our journey together. It meant a lot."
Mentally, did you need to find a team starting from scratch?
"Yes, but I have to say the team immediately showed they believed in me. It was great to repay that faith with a victory. It’s not 'my' team, but I’m happy to see both the team and myself growing together."
You returned to the Giro. This year, is winning a stage in a Grand Tour a clear goal?
"It had been four years since I’d raced a Grand Tour, and even though there were expectations, I arrived a bit underprepared. I started well, I was really motivated, but I wasn’t at my best. This year, we’re lucky to know we’re invited to all three Grand Tours, we know the routes, and the sports directors are planning the programmes. It’s definitely a career goal for me."
Will you have a lead-out man?
"The idea is to have a small group, two riders always by my side. But it’s never that simple - it depends on the races and everyone’s form."
We’re starting a new three-year cycle for UCI points. For teams, having sprinters supported by domestiques is essential. Does that add extra pressure?
"I don’t want to give a cliché answer and say we only focus on wins. Every team thinks about it. You have to get good results. Of course, you also have to be strategic. A one-day race brings in more points than a stage in a week-long race. But that’s the team’s reasoning. For me, it’s winning and getting on the podium that motivates me, not scoring 1,000 or 1,500 points."
What do you think of this system?
"It’s clear, but not necessarily fair. One-day races give a lot of points, and winning a stage at a high level is just as hard. That’s the rule, we accept it and deal with it like everyone else."
Will you race in Belgian classics or semi-classics?
"I can play my cards in the Belgian semi-classics. For Paris-Roubaix, it’s more about passion and desire. Last year, I was in Belgium because we had fewer riders due to crashes. These races fascinate me - winning one would be a dream. You can’t plan everything because there are so many variables, and a Top 10 is always possible. It can’t be my main goal, but Paris-Roubaix is a race I really love."
Why do Italians have such a passion for cycling?
"Cycling is a popular sport - it goes right past your doorstep. Italy is closely connected to its riders and races... which are sometimes too tough for me (laughs). It’s a tough sport, full of sacrifices, and those are values that really represent the country. We also have beautiful landscapes for racing."
In France, youth races are disappearing. Is it the same in Italy?
"Unfortunately, it’s a common problem. It’s not just about organising, it’s also that teams have fewer resources and fewer young riders. If I were a parent, I’d be happy for my child to take up cycling, but I’d also worry about them being out on the roads because of accidents."
Will you get to experience the Tour de France?
"(Laughs) As you know, the Tour is THE race - there’s no hiding it - and it will be very important for us since it’s our first and we’ve been invited. It’s one of my dreams to take part, and even more so to win a stage. But we have to be realistic and see with the team what’s best for me."
We imagine the finish at Montjuic suits Pidcock.
"Tom has shown he can make the podium in a Grand Tour and win stages. I don’t know what his programme will be yet. The team will decide what’s best for the future."
Pinarello-Q36.5 has signed Sam Bennett and Mark Donovan. Are you the number one sprinter, or is everything up for grabs?
"There isn’t necessarily a number one. I showed some good things last year, and I have a lot of goals. But the calendar is so packed, with so many races, it’s great to share opportunities.
"Bennett has an impressive track record - I have a lot of respect for him, and I’ll learn from him. Even if he hasn’t had big seasons lately, he’s still eager to prove himself. And there are young riders coming up, like Emmanuel Houcou. We’re all at different stages of our careers, which makes it interesting."