Elia Viviani's wife slams cycling world: "Some attitudes are just inhumane"

Elia Viviani’s transfer to Lotto seems to be the best move for all parties involved. The Italian sprinter was not offered a new contract at INEOS Grenadiers but now gets to continue his career in Belgium for at least another year. His wife, former Lotto rider Elena Cecchini, didn’t hold back in an interview with Bici, criticizing the treatment of riders within the cycling world.

The 36-year-old sprinter spent multiple years with INEOS—first from 2015 to 2017, and then again from 2022 to 2024 after stints with Quick-Step and Cofidis. His time with the British squad wasn’t particularly successful, but according to Cecchini, her husband deserved more respect. The 32-year-old Italian, who now works with SD Worx-Protime, defended Viviani strongly.

"I told Elia that Lotto is a fantastic team to start over with after a tough period," Cecchini said, recalling her own time riding for Lotto in 2015. "That was one of the best years of my career. Belgian teams have something special—cycling is in their blood, and they approach things differently. They make you want to ride and push your limits. That’s why I’m so happy for Elia."

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Elia Viviani in 2024, in the jersey of INEOS Grenadiers

Olympic focus nearly ended Viviani’s career

"He wasn’t ready to stop yet," Cecchini continues. "He loves cycling, and the past few months of waiting for clarity were tough for him. Every morning, he stuck to his routine—the bike was his salvation. It helped him stay focused and kept him from throwing in the towel. I always believed he would find a place somewhere."

The cycling world didn’t make the process easy. "It makes me sad that competing in multiple disciplines is no longer encouraged," Cecchini says, referring to Viviani’s extensive track cycling career. "Elia has worked incredibly hard over the past two years for the Paris Olympics and has sacrificed a lot for it. He has proven he can still perform, yet teams didn’t want him."

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INEOS did not make it easy for Viviani

"Elia had some really tough days," his wife continues. "I was envious of his motivation—to keep sprinting, to keep climbing mountains. And then, in December, I suddenly had to go to training camp alone, even though we usually go together. That made me sad—I had a moment of weakness then. Meanwhile, Elia was constantly in contact with his agent at home."

Until December 31, Viviani was still racing in INEOS Grenadiers colors, but the team had effectively let him go much earlier. "Despite everything, INEOS is the team he loves—he never had any negative feelings toward them. Many teams thought he was too old; others didn’t need a sprinter. Everyone is focused on general classification riders and young talents in their 20s. By the time they turn 30, riders are seen as past their prime. But experience, motivation, and the willingness to work hard are just as important. Some of the attitudes I saw were inhumane."

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