Strong at the start of the season, disappointing in the Classics but appearing to be in better condition in the Presidential Tour of Turkey, Filippo Pozzato began his Giro d’Italia campaign today determined to chase a stage victory or two.
The Lampre-Merida rider sounded optimistic when he spoke to VeloNation in a video interview conducted on the final stage in Turkey, where he was fourth on stage four and almost won the following day with a strong solo attack. He said that he was motivated for the Giro.
“I feel good because before the Turkey Tour, it was difficult for me. Now my feelings are good and I hope that the Giro is very good.
“There are three or four stages that are good for me. I will try for the win and after I will be working for Scarponi because he is the leader of the team for the general classification.”
Pozzato had a three month ban from racing last season and was given a €10,000 fine for working with Michele Ferrari. He returned to competition in September and while he was relatively anonymous in the races he did last autumn, he showed better form this spring.
His results included victory in the Trofeo Laigueglia and second in Roma Maxima. However while that pointed towards a good campaign in the big one day races, it didn’t work out for him. “I don’t know why the Classics were not good,” he admits. “Now it is better. I finished the Classics and am starting the Giro with a new head and new motivation.”
Normally Pozzato might expect to be riding for Alessandro Petacchi in the Italian race, but he is not part of the Lampre-Merida squad this time round. He surprised when he declared last month that he would not continue with the team, standing back from the sport.
It has since emerged that his ‘retirement’ is not what it appears, with Petacchi wanting to move to the Omega Pharma Quick Step team or another squad. Thus far that hasn’t been given a green light by the UCI, but it could yet materialise this season.
Whatever happens, Pozzato wishes his former team-mate well. “For me, it is news,” he said. “I don’t know why he finished the contract here. But if he is happy with the change, I am happy for him.”
Pozzato discusses these topics in the video below, as well as his thoughts about the rest of the season plus the world championships in Italy.