Among the Italian guests we had the chance to meet at the presentation of the Vuelta España 2026 route held at the Salle des Etoiles of the Sporting Club in Monaco was Lawyer Mauro Travaglin.

For the tax consultant and sports agent, long-time close to cycling and committed to best protecting the clients of his firm and that of former Professional Cycling League Commissioner Cesare di Cintio (with whom he collaborates), this was his second appearance at an event related to next year's stage race, having already participated in the presentation of the time trial that will kick off the 81st edition of the Spanish Grand Tour on August 22nd.

As on the previous occasion, this time the rendez-vous was held in the Principality of Monaco, a location that Travaglin is particularly fond of, not only because, as President, he leads an international volunteer association headquartered within the Monegasque borders, but also due to the relationship, strengthened in recent months, with Prince Albert, who naturally did not miss the opportunity to play host and give his "blessing" to a race that will bring new prestige to his territory next August.

For the lawyer working in Gorla Minore (Varese), it was a source of great pride, as he himself told us, to go to Monaco to participate in an event linked to a sport he deeply cares about and to represent the professional studios where he works and his colleague Di Cintio in a circumstance of absolute significance, where we had the opportunity to approach him.

Lawyer, your firm has a special connection with the Professional Cycling League, which in recent seasons has followed a specific path under the guidance of Honorable Pella. What is your opinion on this?

"In my opinion, the path taken by Honorable Pella is a positive one because he has committed to organizing new races and expanding the calendar by seeking resources through direct involvement of institutions and government. Moreover, we must not forget that he has made important simplifications at the fiscal and legal levels, and the third sector reform, with legislative decree 36/2021, was a major breakthrough for the sports world, both at the amateur and professional levels. So, for me, he has started working very well, and we'll see what happens going forward. I also think that his predecessor, my studio colleague, did his part positively, although others should judge that."

How has the activity of a sports agent changed in recent years?

"The days should be 48 hours long to be able to carry out all the activities we take on because we take care of everything following a very precise standard that we apply both when dealing with contractual, fiscal, and legal matters and when closely following athletes through all stages of their careers. This modus operandi applies to everyone, especially young athletes. In this regard, I must say that I am not very happy with how we are transitioning from juniors to professionals by bypassing the Under 23 category."

Do you think this transition should be defined more carefully?

"Certainly. Personally, I believe it should be remodulated more precisely. Today, it's like a boy leaving middle school would go directly to university without high school, but that step, the transition through U23, is fundamental for a rider's development because, let's remember, not all athletes have matured at 16-17 years old. I would also add that at a certain age, in my opinion, the educational aspect should absolutely not be put on the back burner."

So, as a firm, you try to make them understand how important it is to proceed step by step.

"Absolutely. Not by chance, our mission for the athletes who turn to us, and I'm talking not only about cyclists but also athletes practicing other disciplines, is to try to protect them by ensuring they don't burn out immediately by skipping fundamental stages of their growth."

Speaking of working with young people, you have considerable experience since you collaborated with Team Hopplà.

"Exactly. In the last two seasons, due to professional choice and because my work did not allow me to be fully involved with them, I took a step back, but I am happy with the results that riders like Manenti (who is moving to the professional ranks this year) have achieved. Over the years, I have had people like Tsarenko and Nencini by my side who gave me great satisfaction. They and all the others who passed through our ranks, I always see them as my children. Even today, we are in contact and have an excellent relationship."

Photo Credit: Mauro Travaglin