Domenico Pozzovivo, 43, returns to the pro peloton and is set to race again this month

Pozzovivo made his professional debut in 2005 with Ceramica Panaria–Navigare. After seven years at ProTeam level, during which he also won a stage of the Giro d’Italia, he signed for AG2R La Mondiale. There, he finished in the top six of a Grand Tour no fewer than four times. In the 2017 Giro d’Italia, he ended up just 3:11 behind overall winner Tom Dumoulin, finishing only around two minutes shy of the podium.

Even in the later stages of his career, the diminutive Italian remained a high-level climber. He finished fifth in the 2018 Giro d’Italia, and in 2022 — at 39 years of age — he crossed the line eighth overall in his home Grand Tour. After a spell with Israel–Premier Tech, he ended his career where it had all begun, at VF Group–Bardiani CSF–Faizanè. IDL Procycling’s earlier reporting also treated 2024 as the end point of his career, making this a genuine comeback story rather than a simple team switch.

Still, Pozzovivo never really stopped living like a bike rider. In training, he was reportedly still posting impressive numbers, so it is perhaps no surprise that the itch to race returned. After rumours of a comeback had circulated, they were confirmed on Friday. “This decision comes after an objective analysis of my condition,” Pozzovivo said in a press statement. “I am very grateful to the team, and I will do my best to repay their trust with my experience and competitive spirit.”

Serge Parsani, CEO of Solution Tech, was equally pleased with the signing. “We are extremely happy to welcome Pozzovivo. From our very first conversations, we noticed clarity and very good condition. He can be of great value to the team.” According to the original report, Pozzovivo is set to make his return at the Tour of the Alps, which is due to take place a little over two weeks after the announcement.