Mirco Maestri

Mirco grew up in Casoni di Luzzara, in the province of Reggio Emilia, and spent two-thirds of his professional career with Bardiani CSF, while in the last third he’s become the most experienced rider of the current Polti VisitMalta. His palmarès includes a points classification in the Tirreno-Adriatico, a Tour of Rhodes, an ITT in China and two Slovenian Grand Prix wins with his previous team. As the “captain” of the ProTeam of the Fundación Contador, he came close to winning a stage in the Giro d’Italia in 2022, when he was caught in the final moments in Cuneo after a long breakaway — something that had already happened to him in 2019. A double unfinished business with luck in the Giro, partially compensated last year with his adventure on the steep walls of the Marche alongside Julian Alaphilippe: an image that went around the world and warmed the hearts of cycling fans, sealed with a hug and the gift of a jersey from Alaphilippe marking a beautiful friendship. Maestri’s role is clear both on and off the bike: with his wisdom and example, he inspires all his teammates; in races, he stands out particularly for his breakaways, time-trialling abilities and valuable lead-out work for sprinter Lonardi. The European gold medal in Limburg region in the mixed team relay, earned in his first-ever Italian national team jersey, was a well-deserved reward for a man and an athlete of great stature. Speaking of the man, two of his “weaknesses” (in the most delightful sense) are video games and a rare Florentine steak.