At the Coppi and Bartali race at the end of March, his very personal 2025 debut, he went through a hunger crisis just like when he was a rider. Orlando Maini is back in the team car with Team Polti VisitMalta, and his adrenaline, grit, and enthusiasm remain unchanged.

"I'm still the same person you've known for a long time, at 66, a bit dated as I say. But my involvement never changes."

How did this new adventure come about?
"From a chat with Zanatta. He saw the possibility of expanding the team and it made me very happy that he thought of me. I had been inactive for a year, and the idea of being able to work with young talents was the decisive trigger."

The world of young talents, a sort of natural habitat.
"I've always enjoyed working with them. I know I can help them realize their dreams, just like what happened to me. It's an exchange, a lifetime of experience for something that young people always teach you."

Piganzoli, Lonardi, Bais are just a few of the latest names in a very long list of riders you've worked with...
"Indeed. Without taking anything away from anyone, I like to remember two champions who are no longer with us: Marco Pantani and Michele Scarponi. Diametrically opposite in character: the first often closed and seemingly gloomy, the second playful and cheerful. And what emotion for each of them. When I happen to read Pantani's name along the Giro d'Italia routes, I always get a lump in my throat."

Ivan Basso (Team Principal Polti Visit Malta) is a first for you.
"Great respect over many years. But never worked together before. It's happening now, and I'm happy. I admire him greatly, for what he does and how he does it. He's putting a lot of effort into improving the team and, consequently, cycling."

Initial stages of the season. Intentions and moods?
"Look, the invitation to the Giro d'Italia has given great enthusiasm to the team. The young riders are curious. We're already saying we want to showcase ourselves, that we won't run ordinary races. The season will be long, the spectacle - thanks to champions like Pogacar - is guaranteed. But we also expect some nice surprises."

There will be no shortage of hunger crises, even for those in the team car. Just as there will be enthusiasm and passion: when Orlando Maini is behind the wheel, these ingredients can never be missing.