Pellizzari reflects on Giro d'Italia: "When Pogacar attacked I knew my fate was sealed"

"I wish I had won that day, but there will be more chances. Was I expecting it? From the team car, they told me that Pogacar had attacked, I knew my fate was sealed," he told RAI Sport. Pellizzari was like a kid in a candy store afterward, though, so happy with the Slovenian's gifts. "I have to thank Tadej for his pink jersey. I will frame that one; it's a beautiful gift."

Nevertheless, Pellizzari points out that the Giro's first two weeks were tough. He did not feel well and was overwhelmed by emotions riding his first Giro. "The first two weeks were tough, and I even thought about giving up. Fortunately, I had people around me who encouraged me to persevere, and from then on, my goal was to make it to Rome at least."

Next year, Pellizzari will ride for Pogacar's Slovenian rival, Primoz Roglic. Because Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe brought in the talented Italian for three years. "I was lucky enough to meet the representatives of Red Bull, and I immediately realized that they are a serious organization. They want to win and pressure you, but they also offer you everything you need to perform to the best of your ability. I can't wait to start the new season."

Pellizzari is eager to kick off the new cycling season again. Looking back on 2024, it has been a remarkably stable season with fine performances in the Tour of the Alps, the Tour of Slovenia, and the Giro d'Italia. He is yet another top Italian talent catapulted to the WorldTour via Bardiani in various forms.

Pellizzari: "I have to thank the Reverberi family (the managers of Vf Group-Bardiani Csf-Faizanè - ed.), who took me in as a junior. That was the best choice for me, and I also recommend it to others. I don't regret anything. I competed in 40 race days in my first year, 95 percent at the U23 level. 2023 there were 60, with a 60 percent-40 percent split between U23 and pro races. This year, I have primarily competed with the pros and have a total of 70 race days. That gradual build-up was just perfect."

And what does the future hold for Pellizzari? "I don't know yet what my program for the season will be. Certainly, I would like to return to the Giro d'Italia to deliver a good performance and maybe also help a leader win. That would be nice for my first year in the WorldTour."