The 2025 season for Davide Toneatti, his first in the World Tour roster of XDS-Astana after three years in the Development team, lasted just over two months and concluded, at least until today, not without a hint of mystery.

After first pinning on his number at the Trofeo Calvià in Spain on January 29, the young Friulian rider went through Tour of Oman, Strade Bianche, Tirreno-Adriatico and Belgian classics (including the Tour of Flanders) before withdrawing on April 13 at Paris-Roubaix: from that moment, the twenty-four-year-old from Buja has not participated in any race and, in the absence of official notes or updates, has essentially disappeared from the radar.

The only traces of his activities, the winner of the 2024 Turul Romaniei left on Strava, where he at least showed he was continuing to work (and in some periods, like from June 27 to August 6, with great consistency) in view of a possible comeback that, in the end, never materialized.

To better understand what happened to the 2022 U23 Italian Cyclocross Champion, we decided to contact him during the Kazakh team's pre-Christmas training camp, an event which, just by participating, Toneatti confirmed he is ready to soon breathe the atmosphere of racing again.

Davide, tell us what happened after withdrawing from Roubaix on April 13.

"I had some health issues that prevented me from racing, but fortunately, through the team staff and Dr. Corsetti, we managed to resolve them. It took some time, but now I can say everything is fine."

It doesn't seem like it was something minor since you were unable to race for the rest of the season.

"It wasn't something minor, but it wasn't something extremely serious either. What mattered was solving the problem, being sure we had addressed it properly to then refocus on training and racing."

Looking at what you uploaded on Strava in recent months, the impression is that you seriously tried to get back on the bike before ultimately setting it aside.

"Exactly. Let's say that more or less throughout the year I continued training, not always consistently, but there were periods when I could ride without major issues. So I confirm I made more than one attempt to start racing again in 2025, but in the end we decided to stop. The important thing, I repeat, is that everything was resolved in time and now we're ready to tackle a new season."

Was what you faced more difficult mentally or physically?

"To be honest, it was more mentally challenging. It wasn't easy to accept being at home without racing while my teammates were doing so well, even though at the same time, their results clearly made me very happy. No, it wasn't an easy period, but with the support of my family, my girlfriend, and the team, we got through it."

I imagine that teammates and staff, even though you were away from racing, always kept you involved and lifted your spirits.

"Directors, teammates, and coach always stayed in touch, and this certainly helped."

So you also, even from home, breathed that great atmosphere that this year allowed the team to save its World Tour license.

"Yes. Even if not physically, I perceived the atmosphere in the team and was always included and kept informed of the situation."

When did you receive the green light to get back on the bike and start thinking about 2026?

"In October. While others were essentially on vacation, I was already focused on 2026."

How were the months leading up to the December training camp? What sensations did you have?

"At first, the comeback was a bit difficult, but then, after a few weeks of so-so sensations, things progressively improved, and I can say that at the December training camp I was doing well, in line with the other guys in the group."

Given the issues you've had, what program have you outlined for the next season?

"I'll start by going to Australia to get reacquainted with racing. After that, I'll do UAE Tour and then continue with Laigueglia, Strade Bianche, some classics in Belgium, and then the Ardennes. This, broadly speaking, is my program for the first part of the season."

Grand Tours? Haven't you discussed those? Aren't you thinking about them?

"Not for the moment."

To hear the full content of the interview with Toneatti, we invite you to listen to the upcoming episodes of our podcast Bla Bla Bike.