Coach Pellizzari has low expectations for World Championship and explains why the Italian won’t make a fuss about RB leadership

The young Italian was unexpectedly given the role of team leader in the Giro d'Italia after Primoz Roglic took a calculated risk and lost. Pellizzari ultimately finished sixth in the overall classification and came second in the battle for the white youth jersey, behind Isaac Del Toro.

Next up was the Vuelta, in which the talented climber from San Severino Marche ultimately achieved the same result as in the Tour of Italy: second in the battle for the white jersey and sixth in the overall classification. Nevertheless, the Vuelta was a resounding success thanks to a stage victory on the grueling El Morredero.

Nevertheless, Pellizzari said he felt better in the Giro than in the Vuelta. “If we look only at the pure figures, in terms of total effort, the two Pellizzari riders were quite comparable,” says Lorang. “However, they had higher performance peaks in the Vuelta, something we have also seen with other riders. In other words, in the second half of the season, their performance level, measured in watts, was even higher.”

Pellizzari did feel fresher in Italy. “He was full of energy. So although he pushed harder in the Vuelta and was capable of better performances, he never felt as fresh as he did in the spring. I think he felt that in general, but in terms of numbers, he took a step forward in the Vuelta.”

The next big goal now awaits, namely the World Championships in Rwanda this coming Sunday. How is Pellizzari preparing for that, two weeks after the Vuelta? “Normally, you would say that you just have to recover somehow and then be at the starting line. But if we had done that, there would have been a high risk of getting sick.”

“That's because stress disappears then. Then the body can get unwell,” explains Lorang. “So after the Vuelta, on the one hand, it was a mix of motivation, a bit of intensity, and preparation for the trip. On the other hand, it's all about being fresh at the start.”

Regardless, the trainer is honest about expectations. “As a team, we don't expect great results. Wearing the blue jersey is his dream, and we view it as a stepping stone for his future career. He has already accomplished a lot this year, so he should enjoy the experience, and anything more than that is a bonus.”

What is striking in any case is Pellizzari's position on the bike. He accelerates from the saddle, and we hardly ever see him standing on the pedals. When asked, Lorang explains. "If you think about it, Pogacar behaves the same way. He went from often getting out of the saddle to staying in it more and more often."

"We try to help riders grow by offering them a wide range of options, so they can get out of the saddle and even climb while seated at different cadences," Lorang explains. "It's something we can implement in training, but at the moment it's not a limiting factor."

In fact, “The ability to deliver that power while staying seated is actually a strength, because then you can save a little more energy. So I don't see it as a problem,” says the trainer, looking at his pupil's position on the bike.

All things considered, Lorang is delighted with Pellizzari, who joined the team last summer. "From the first contact, he seemed like a brilliant guy, well integrated into the team, but also able to make his own voice heard. He is a real cyclist, he brings tradition with him, and he loves the sport. He already has his own personality.“

”He accepts or absorbs the experience he gains from older riders, such as Roglic or Hindley,” Lorang continues. “He looks around and tries to learn from everyone. And I think that's what champions do when they're young. They try to learn as much as possible from others.”

While the signing of Remco Evenepoel raises questions about the leadership roles for next year, Lorang believes there will be no problems. “Pellizzari doesn't mind helping a teammate; he always acts in the best interests of the team. That's why he already has an excellent reputation within the team and why he's a great asset to our squad.”