We close our first series of interviews with managers and representatives of the world of two wheels.

A life for cycling. It is the story of Massimiliano Mori (photo) and his family. There is father Primo, a former professional, there is his brother Manuele, and then there is him, born in 1974 and in the saddle for many years, among the profs from 1995 to 2009 with teammates of the caliber of Marco Pantani and Mario Cipollini.

His experience also served later, when he hung up his bike. Today, in addition to being the head of a company with which he produces (and distributes in three owned stores) ice cream, he is the appreciated manager of about thirty runners, including big names and young people on the launch pad. With Marco Piccioli he has his own agency where he takes care of the sporting part.

The lawyer Fabio Piccioli, Marco's brother, collaborates on the part concerning the contracts.

How did you start your career as an agent?

“When I stopped, I started collaborating with Marco who was a Fifa agent and wanted to undertake a similar discourse in cycling. My job is to follow the guys with whom I maintain relationships related to the competitive aspect”.

You raced with great champions but won very little. Do you have any regrets?

“In the minor categories I won a lot, in those days I passed as a teacher at a very young age, perhaps I was the first of my generation. I put myself at the service of my captains, first Pantani, even if only for one season, and then for Cipollini. A good memory remains the only victory at the Giro di Sardegna, where he managed to beat Chiappucci. But I'm satisfied with what I did."

Let's go back to the present, Italian cycling is going through a difficult moment, is there a recipe for becoming great again?

“In the meantime, I tell you that making comparisons with cycling in the past is not correct. Nowadays there are many young people who enter the professional world very early. If it is a negative note? Right or wrong, time will tell. Surely in my day we knew nothing about preparations or what the life of a certain type of athlete could be like. Now the kids know everything, they have access to a lot of information. What is certain is that they are stronger and more prepared”.

What do you think of the juniors who already have a prosecutor?

“The controversy is understandable. But I realized that times have changed, there are many capable riders ready to turn professional faster than once. I too had to adjust. The important thing is the approach and how you behave with a young boy”.

Is she usually the one looking for runners or is it the other way around?

“Lately many people have contacted me. I'm pleased, it means that there is appreciation for the work I've done over the years”.

Have you ever argued with families who are a little too pressured for their children?

“Yes, especially for those who have recently come of age. I haven't found any exaggerated problems but those that 'get in the way' have always existed. It is normal that young people also listen to their parents and their advice”.

It seems increasingly difficult to 'place' riders over 30...

“I too have had problems in this sense, the question is not about having a better manager or particular knowledge. In these cases, other factors come into play. But if you follow a good runner, he has more connections than someone considered 'discreet', even at the age of 32-33”.

In this regard, I have to ask you about Sacha Modolo, will you continue to race?

“He has had important seasons but for a number of reasons, especially health, he hasn't been able to have a certain level of performance. In an important team he could still have his say, perhaps helping the younger ones but now in the World Tour teams the trains for the sprints are no longer there. I understand his words of bitterness that I have read in his last interviews".

And of your young people who will be able to do well in the future?

“I'm thinking of Martin Marcellusi from Bardiani who can have a good season, he's a very spirited rider. Then there's Crescioli, the English Hannay among the juniors and Federico Savino who will race in Quick Step Development from 2023. He's an 18-year-old boy, slim, who can do well in cross-country races. His is an opportunity that we jumped at."

Among the professionals, I'll give you three names of your riders. Shall we start from Natalino Tesfatsion?

“At Trek I hope it will make the leap in quality. He has incredible margins and I'm glad he's worked with Gianni Savio to showcase his talents. Let's say it's still a bit 'naive'”.

Diego Ulisse?

“He has always been a winner and this year too he will have his chances. Obviously being in an important team many times he will have to do a certain type of work ”.

Finally, Mattia Cattaneo?

“He will often race with Remco Evenepoel, probably also in the Giro d'Italia. He will be less successful than his colleagues but he's still a good rider".

LL

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