During the presentation of the partnership between Polti and the Giro d'Italia, we had the chance to exchange a few words with Alberto Contador and Ivan Basso, the two champions who are now leading the Polti VisitMalta Team.

And Contador's opening was quite a statement: "Now that our team's wildcard and presence at the Giro d'Italia are official, I can say: if we win a stage, I'll ride my bicycle from Madrid to the Polti headquarters in Bulgaro Grosso".

Basso's response was immediate and sharp: "Do you know why Alberto is making this promise? Because Aurum will soon launch an electric bike and therefore... keeping the promise will be a bit easier".

Contador then talks about today's cycling: "It's been just a few years since I retired, but cycling has changed a lot, especially regarding nutrition and team organization, which is becoming increasingly complex. And we must emphasize how the average level of cyclists has truly grown significantly".

The Madrid native then addresses the controversy regarding the overwhelming power of a handful of champions and the possible need to slow down races: "I think if you give this bicycle" - pointing to an old-fashioned model behind him - "to Tadej Pogacar and the rest of the group, who would win? Obviously Tadej Pogacar because the athlete always makes the difference. Different is the discussion about speed, a problem recently raised by Van Aert. I agree with him about limiting the maximum gear ratio, because today riders can easily push a 55x10 or 11: it means that when you enter a roundabout at 75 kilometers per hour, it's easier for a crash to occur. By reducing gear ratios, the show wouldn't change but we would guarantee more safety for riders and more excitement for the public, because today the risk of seeing a big name forced to withdraw in the first days of a grand tour is high and can compromise the entire race development, obviously to the detriment of spectators".

Ivan Basso was asked about the gravel sections that will be faced during the Giro: "Compared to 2010, when gravel sections were first tackled, teams are much more prepared today, riders are more experienced, and physical, athletic, mechanical, and mental preparation is different. The fact remains that the Sienese white roads stage will be a difficult stage, where you risk compromising everything in an instant".

Talking about the Colle delle Finestre, however, Contador shifts the focus: "More than gravel, it's the gradient that makes the difference. I remember it as one of the toughest climbs I've faced, I did it in 2012 and in 2015 when Aru attacked me. Gravel challenges great climbers like Pantani or myself, who often stand on the pedals, but for others the real problem are the terrible gradients, those are what make the difference".