The last Italian world champion among professionals was Alessandro Ballan, who wore the rainbow jersey in 2008 in Varese, crossing the finish line first ahead of Damiano Cunego and Matti Breschel. Today, the champion from Castelfranco Veneto is still in the cycling world, not just as a testimonial, but also as a manager of U.C. Giorgione, the team where he grew up as a young rider and where his daughter Azzurra now races.

Ballan always keeps a close eye on what's happening in the world of cycling, and in Rome, during the Coppa Italia delle Regioni awards, we spoke with him, asking for a brief analysis of today's cycling.

Alessandro, you have certainly watched this season very carefully. What impressions did you have?
"In my opinion, it was a beautiful season, and logically with this new Coppa Italia delle Regioni project, all Italian races have gained more value. Our races were losing importance compared to World Tour races, and I'd say it was a wonderful initiative that especially highlighted our local riders."

Regarding the World Tour, what did you notice in the group during the Grand Tours and Classics?
"This is certainly a very different cycling compared to my years. There are riders who are clearly dominating over all others. We're talking about men who have that extra something, and it's natural that when they race together, the race becomes exciting. But we must also say that if one of these were to race alone, without riders capable of following him, then the race risks becoming a bit dull. I'm thinking of Tadej Pogacar, for example. His way of racing, superior to others, conditions the race and therefore creates less excitement, especially for those chasing him. We're facing a very particular cycling that is evolving rapidly, but we also need to see how long these champions will remain at the top."

If you had the opportunity to choose an image related to cycling that best represents 2025, which would you choose?
"I might sound predictable, but I'd choose an image of Pogacar because he has practically won everything. But if I were to choose a specific moment from a race, without a doubt I'd say Milano-Sanremo, but I also loved Roubaix with that crazy battle between Pogacar and Van der Poel. That was cycling of the highest level."

Can we say we have a cycling of true phenomena in these years?
"You know, we're talking about riders who make a difference when they start. It's beautiful when we have a race where Pogacar and Van der Poel or Vingegaard clash. When these riders are together, it's normal to have an always exciting finale, even when Pogacar wins decisively over his opponents."

You talked about Pogacar, Vingegaard, and Van der Poel, but you didn't mention Remco Evenepoel, who has still achieved important results. Is he a rider you don't particularly like?
"It's not about likes or dislikes. Evenepoel is undoubtedly an excellent rider, but in my opinion, he's a bit too cocky, gets irritated easily. However, he's a very, very strong rider, especially in time trials, and he will certainly do great things."

Regarding our movement, where do we stand?
"Italian cycling is unfortunately still in a difficult period and needs to improve significantly. But I think by giving value to Italian races, thanks also to the Coppa Italia delle Regioni, we are trying to restart the entire movement, and we hope to soon have great Italian champions again."

What is your relationship with cycling today?
"I'm involved in this sport 360 degrees as a testimonial for major companies, as an event organizer. I have a youth team of girls, so let's say I try to be involved in everything. But what I want to emphasize is that cycling has given me so much as a sport, for the athlete I became. But it also managed to give me a lot as a person, and today I am the man you see thanks to what cycling taught me: the bike gave me so much, and now it's time to give back and return what I received."