"It's a dream coming true and something I've worked hard for since I started road cycling at six years old".

These are the words of Pietro Mattio, from Cuneo who will turn twenty-one in a month, commenting on his move from the Visma Lease a Bike Development Team to the World Tour formation of the Dutch team.

The official announcement of the young Italian's promotion came through a press release from Visma Lease a Bike, which also included words from Robbert de Groot, head of the yellow development squad: "When Pietro arrived with us, he barely spoke English and was a very young and somewhat shy boy. He has grown rapidly and impressively, becoming a tactically strong rider, focused on his tasks and of great value. Pietro is now a true team player and a source of positive energy".

Joining Visma in 2023 from Vigor Cycling Team, Pietro has demonstrated his value by standing on the podium at the U23 Italian Championships in 2024, nearly winning a stage of the Orlen Nations Grand Prix, finishing fifth in this year's Paris-Roubaix Espoirs, and - just a couple of days ago - crossing the finish line in fourth position in the first stage of the Alpes Isère Tour.

Commenting on his move to the "first team", Mattio added: "Although I've reached an important goal, this is just the beginning. I want to continue growing as I have in recent years. I can't wait to reach my maximum level and contribute to the team".

Pietro, who has signed a contract until 2027, will be able to count on the experience and advice of another Italian, Edoardo Affini. But from next season, our compatriots in Visma Lease a Bike could become three, as tuttobiciweb recently reported that the transfer of the Valtellina rider Davide Pinganzoli to Vingegaard's team is more than a hypothesis.