A 2022 not easy for Diego Ulissi , however satisfied with his season despite the fact that Covid slowed him down twice. Guest of Fantacycling, the UAE Emirates rider, winner of eight stages at the Giro d'Italia, retraced the last few months, already targeting some races in 2023.

“This year I managed to win two races, Larciano and a stage at Limousin – he said – but Covid blocked me in some stages. Yet I am satisfied with how I finished the year in which I was in Pogacar's service several times . As a team we did very well also in terms of points, unfortunately we missed the Tour de France but many victories came".

From the Pogacar phenomenon to the new signings, in particular Adam Yates and Tim Wellens , to the possible confirmations at high levels of Joao Almeida and Juan Ayuso , Ulissi spoke thus of some of his team mates: “Yates is a rider who knows how to help and could carve out space for some races – explained Ulissi – Almeida is a very intelligent rider who knows how to handle himself well uphill, we'll see if he can captain the Giro. Ayuso has shown great qualities and it is normal for him to have an exuberant character at his age."

No regrets, however, for his own ambitions: “Tadej is number one in the world, when he competes he is the beacon also because he knows how to finalize our work. Overall, I have had many satisfactions, even after a difficult moment like myocarditis in 2020. Disappointed for not having participated in the World Cup in Australia? I was very sorry but we needed to understand the needs of the team and the run-up to the Uci scores".

Ulissi recalls his choice to remain in the UAE 'family': “After Lampre I wavered for a moment but here I feel so comfortable that I didn't want to leave. I see it as a personal reward for the consistency I've had over the years."

Many other curiosities emerged during the live broadcast, which saw the participation of Riccardo Magrini .

Watch the live again: Live with Diego Ulissi Uae Team Emirates and Riccardo Magrini - YouTube

Photo Sprint Cycling