The agent tells himself to Fantacycling: from his boys to the relationship with Riis and Lefevere
Clarity and determination. These are the strengths of Moreno Nicoletti , a manager from Vicenza who, after racing as an amateur until 1994, then decided to become the agent of some of the most interesting talents on two wheels.
Married and father of a 21-year-old girl, Nicoletti was one of the first to believe in a demanding job full of responsibility also thanks to his bond with former professional Bruno Cenghialta (the two are cousins): “Around 1999/2000 I met Claudio Pasqualin, Del Piero's agent, with whom a beautiful friendship was born thanks to our bike rides. At first I was hesitant but then I decided to take this path following Filippo Pozzato and Michael Rasmussen at the beginning”.
And it never stopped...
“I 'got' Jakob Fuglsang when he was very young. Then I had other riders like Finetto, Bandiera, Gatto and poor Chris Sorensen who died last year. Today I work with a dozen riders for a very specific choice, that is to dedicate the right amount of time to their needs. And in cycling there is always something to do”.
Is there anything that differentiates it from the others?
“That I have never called a rider, but they have always been looking for me. Then I have a very particular philosophy of work which consists in the constant comparison with my reference figures, that is nutritionists, trainers and coaches, to understand if the path proposed in their team is correct".
But in this way, doesn't he risk often arguing with the teams?
“When it happens I always do it for a good purpose”.
Let's go back to his 'boys'. Is there a contract you are most proud of?
“Business is opportunities that are given to runners. The most beautiful operation is the group I managed to create”.
Let's start with Fuglsang, a great talent but does age make itself felt?
“It comes from an unfortunate period. He wanted to do a big tour but he cracked a rib and didn't finish it. In 2023 I expect a lot from him. Although he is 38 years old, physical exams show that he is at least six years younger. Let us remember that up to the age of 32 he was a follower for many of his companions...".
Then there's Alexey Lutsenko, it seems he hasn't shown his full potential yet.
"After winning in Jaen, he broke his shoulder and collarbone but managed to make a great classification in the Tour. His class is unquestionable, now we're going in search of victories."
And the under 23 world champion Yevgeny Fedorov?
“Manuele Boaro made me discover it. It has a crazy engine, I expect a top 15 in a Northern classic and that it speaks English and Italian. Today he is practicing, Lutsenko and I give him support and remind him how important it is to be an athlete even outside of racing”.
Are there any interesting young Italians in your team?
“From Malucelli to Delle Vedove up to Zana and Raccani. Some are more established than others but I'm being realistic. You have to keep your feet on the ground and those who are not yet professionals must grow at the right time. Also because I want my riders to last."
What about Enrico Battaglin, still without a team for 2023, and Eduardo Sepulveda?
“Battaglin is paying what I told him in recent years. To be up-to-date, it must be hard at work. Now he finds himself chasing a contract to prove who he is. But he is an intelligent boy who is now paying for the increase in the supply of young people and the bar that has been raised. I prefer to keep a low profile about Sepulveda because we are in the finishing straight for a new contract” (although some newspapers have anticipated the interest in him from a well-known Belgian team, ed).
How would you define the cycling environment?
"Bad. Because if you have strong runners you become handsome, good and kind. But if you try to 'fix' those who maybe don't fit like in the past, you pass for another person. They are all good at making champion contracts. But if you find, for example, Sepulveda who won a stage in the Tour of Turkey, you can't afford not to find a team. We almost succeeded."
Who do you value?
“ Bjarne Riis . With him cycling was thankless. When I worked with Tinkoff I collaborated a lot with Bjarne, he's a nice person. Then Patrick Lefevere . We get along now but we've been a year without speaking to each other. He knows what he wants and knows cycling like few others. And Gianni Savio . A correct person who I hope will be able to continue the activity with a good level team”.
So does he get along with the 'old guard'?
“Let's say yes. Rather than certain young team managers who don't even answer your phone anymore...".
LL
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