Not too long ago, the Italian public eagerly gathered for the Giro d'Italia, filled with the excitement of potential victories. Vincenzo Nibali and Fabio Aru each had their time as the heroes who fueled the hopes of the home crowd. However, the scene is quite different in 2024. Aru retired in 2021 and Nibali a year later, leaving Italy suddenly without a top contender in the general classification. Yet, both men continue to influence the race they love.
On Wednesday, we met Nibali at the Grande Partenza presentation in Turin.The now 39-year-old Italian decided to hang up his bike after a final year with Astana Qazaqstan in 2022. At least, as a professional. The 'Shark of Messina' has seamlessly transitioned into a role as an ambassador; representing the procontinental team Q36.5, bike brand Scott, watchmaker Breitling, and regularly appearing at major Italian races on behalf of RCS Sport.
"I'm very busy, I have appointments every day. But I love this new life," says Nibali in a brief conversation with IDLProCycling.com. "When I see the races on TV, I sometimes miss being a pro. And the Giro is of course the most important race for me, but I'm happy to be here."
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Busy bee Aru would have loved to participate
Aru was also present in Turin these days, albeit in his role as an ambassador for Specialized. He also works for the eyewear brand Ekoï and the Swiss clothing brand ASSOS. Clearly, he has plenty on his plate, yet the former Vuelta a España winner feels the itch, especially now that two grand tours are starting in Italy this year. Following the Giro, the Tour de France will come to Florence this summer. "It will be a magnificent spectacle. The only downside for me is that I can't participate on the bike," he says at Flashscore.
Aru retired from professional cycling quite early, at the age of 31, largely due to a persistent issue with a narrowed iliac artery that plagued him for two to three years. "It was time to hang up my helmet, and I still believe it was the correct decision. My physical ailments were a factor, but it was a combination of reasons that led me to retire. Now I work for various companies in cycling, participate in events, and spend time with clients and fans. I am happy with the choice I made then."
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Nibali and Aru on Tadej Pogacar's Giro debut
Nibali and Aru, who both live in Lugano, Switzerland and often train together, are experts when it comes to the Giro. Nibali, in particular, with eleven participations, is a legend of the Tour of Italy. He won the race in 2013 and 2016 and finished with a surprising fourth place in 2022. If anyone can offer advice to debutant Tadej Pogacar, it's Nibali. "For Tadej, nothing is impossible, but he must not underestimate the Giro. It's 21 days, each day different. Technical roads, changing weather... It's not simple."
Aru agrees, noting that the Giro and the Tour cannot be compared. "This is mainly due to the course and the extreme elevations, like the Mortirolo or Zoncolan. In Italy, the roads are narrower and the weather plays a big role. In Milan-Turin it was 7 degrees, which really makes it much more difficult and dangerous." Aru doesn't have any advice for Pogacar, although he sees his former UAE-Team Emirates teammate potentially pulling off a stunt. "We were teammates for two years and even roommates when he won his first race at the Tour of Algarve in 2019. Competing in two grand tours back-to-back is very challenging, but if one rider can win the Giro-Tour double, it's Pogacar."
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