Visma talents beam after first meetings: “Van Aert has always been my idol”

What stood out most to them? The organisation around a top team. “We know everything: where we’re going to race, the work schedule, when and where we need to fly,” Baruzzi explained in an interview with Bici.pro. “It sounds unimportant, but if we have a training camp — like now in Spain — the ticket arrives two months in advance. You learn a lot, even just from travelling and moving through different airports.”

The young Italian, born 23 April 2007, admitted — like Segatta — that English was a challenge at first, though it’s improving. They’ve had help from compatriot Pietro Mattio, the 21-year-old who has stepped up to Visma | Lease a Bike’s WorldTour squad this season. “He’s been a huge help since the training camp in July, with everything,” Baruzzi said.

Segatta agreed. “Mattio was crucial — helping us understand things and take our first steps, even if it was just to reassure us. At the start we were nervous, but now we’re more relaxed. It’s great to get to know everyone and ride together; even just wearing this kit feels special.”

When you say Visma | Lease a Bike, you also say world-class names like Wout van Aert and Jonas Vingegaard. So who made the biggest impression when the youngsters met the stars for the first time? “I’d say Van Aert,” Baruzzi replied. “He has always been my idol. Seeing him and talking to him isn’t something you experience every day. In fact, I think it’s an amazing experience — a memory that will stay with me forever.”

Segatta was just as struck by the level around him. “Being in the hotel with Van Aert, Vingegaard and so many champions is impressive. It’s fantastic. Even just talking to Davide Piganzoli and Edoardo Affini is emotional. They’re riders I’d only seen on television until yesterday, and now I see them together in the team.”

At the Killer Bees, both talents are clear about what comes next. “I know this is a starting point,” Baruzzi said. “I’m lucky to be with a team like Visma. Starting at this level probably means you’re a step higher, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be hard work. We’re definitely in the ideal environment to make our dream come true: becoming a professional cyclist.”

“For us to be here means the team has so much confidence in us, and it would be great to have a future with this team,” Segatta concluded. “Now we have to learn and grow to do this job and reach the WorldTour. Learning a lot will be important — and we’ll look at results later.”