Hard to believe, given his youthful looks, but Stefano Garzelli is now 36 years of age and preparing for what could be his last season as a pro rider. The Italian took seventh overall and was best climber in this year’s Giro; he wants to perform strongly again in the Corsa Rosa, thus going out on top if he does decide to retire.
"I have just started preparing towards 2010 thinking only about the Giro d’Italia,” he told Ansa. “The next edition will be tough but, ten years after my victory in the race, I want to do well in what could be my last participation.
“I will go training with my team Acqua & Sapone-Mokambo in two days on the Tuscan coast in Marina di Cecina. On December 2nd, the technical directors will put together the details of my [racing] program.”
Garzelli finished second overall in the general classification of Tirreno Adriatico and wants to try to gauge his form better this time round, so that he is at full strength in the final week of the Giro. “Measuring my energy will be essential in order not to get into trouble in the final week of the race,” he explained. “There is an incredible series of climbs there. Inside, I still really want to work hard and to set important goals for myself.”
A strong climber and a good time trialist, he came to prominence in 1998 when, as a team-mate of Marco Pantani, he won the Tour of Switzerland. Garzelli has performed strongly in many events but his best rides have always been in the Giro d’Italia; he won the race in 2000 and has netted seven stage wins in all.