No one is like Diego Ulissi, who holds onto his small but great record. Only the Livorno native has been able to win at least one race every season as a professional: he has reached 49 victories. Diego, named after Maradona because his father was a huge fan, started in 2010 with a win in GP Prato and in 2025 won the Giro dell'Appennino, plus the enormous joy of wearing the pink jersey in the Giro d'Italia stage in Castelraimondo. An experienced team player and strategist of his Xds-Astana, Ulissi is 36 years old and doesn't want to stop. He has also helped his teammate Scaroni win the overall classification in the Coppa Italia delle Regioni.

Ulissi, how do you see your 2026?
"I will probably still do the Giro d'Italia, because at 36 it's no longer time to experiment. The Giro is everything to me, it's the race where I've performed best in my career (8 stage wins, no active rider has won more, ed.), the one I care about most and where I've achieved my best results".

Your contract expires at the end of 2026.
"Well, XdS Astana is happy with me. There's a desire to continue, and now I'll have to decide based on my physical and mental conditions whether I want to continue or stop. Age is a factor. There's an Italian soul in the team even stronger than the Italian group during Nibali's time. We're a great group, and I think we've proven that this year. We're very happy and want to continue like this".

Would you like to review your career?
"The balance is really good. I turned professional quietly because I had won a lot in youth categories (two Junior World Championships, ed.), but I knew that becoming a professional would reset everything, and I'd have to start from scratch. I found my space and managed to give myself some beautiful joys and emotions. Almost 50 victories, and I'd do it all again from A to Z".

You've been in the peloton since 2010: how is it changing and how do you see it from the inside? What do you like and dislike?
"The group has certainly changed a lot in the past 16 years. Before, young riders needed more time to mature and learn the trade, now you see them already prepared. What used to be done in the early years of professional cycling is now done in the youth and junior categories".

Amateur cycling no longer exists because the strongest juniors are already turning professional: could this lead to shorter careers?
"Well, certainly yes, because if you push your body to the limit, the duration will be short. I can't say if it's better or worse, but I definitely preferred it before".

Is there anything you missed in your career?
"No, absolutely nothing, because I gave 100% in everything and would do it all again. A victory I missed? I came second in a Tour de France stage, let's say it was within my reach to win it, that's the only note that comes to mind".

And how do you see our young Italians? What do you expect from them?
"I believe there are strong, willing guys who want to emerge. It might take more time compared to others, but I think the path we're taking is the right one".