Luca Mozzato is working to build the ideal condition that will allow him to play a leading role in the 2026 season. The Venetian rider, who will turn 28 on February 15th and is in his seventh year in the top category, has changed jersey and environment. We met him to find out how he spent the winter and learn about his first impressions of the new adventure.

You are one of the new arrivals in Team Tudor and you come after three years with Arkéa: what are your first impressions?
"Certainly, they are very positive impressions. Everyone is on point: motivated people, great workers. It's clearly perceived that everything is done to put riders in the best possible conditions. The season hasn't started yet, but the first sensations are definitely good".

What pushed you to choose this team specifically?
"I had several offers, but the choice was quite simple. I was looking for a team with a solid structure where I could have opportunities to demonstrate my value. Looking from the outside and talking with other guys, I had the impression of a team in continuous development, working with the goal of aiming high in the upcoming seasons, and this convinced me to choose Team Tudor".

What struck you about Team Tudor?
"The approach is very analytical, in line with the current cycling trend. We have a team of trainers and engineers who, in addition to carefully managing training and nutrition, are committed to providing us with the best materials, starting from the bicycle to the clothing".

Talking about bicycles, what are your first impressions of the new bike, the Teammachine R01?
"As I was saying, the material is excellent. Changing bikes always requires an adaptation period, but the impressions are very good. The Teammachine R01 is a very light aero bike, a versatile vehicle that satisfies both sprinters and climbers".

Let's take a step back to last season. Your start was conditioned by a fall, whose consequences compromised the first part of the year.
"I had done one of the best winter preparations since I've been cycling, everything linear and without hitches, and I was therefore starting confident and with great ambitions. Unfortunately, in one of the first races I fell and this caused me knee problems that I carried with me for a while. During the classics I also had an infection and the results were disappointing. I then went to the Giro and, after a first week of suffering, I started to feel better. In the second part of the season I started to have positive sensations and managed to achieve some placements. I wanted to finish well in China at the Tour of Guangxi, but there too I fell in the first stage and so I put a stone over a somewhat twisted season".

How did you resume preparation?
"After the fall in China, a bit of rest was mandatory. We decided to completely disconnect and restart calmly. We had a first team retreat where we got to know each other, then I went on vacation for two weeks in Mexico with my girlfriend and in the second week of November I started pedaling again. In the first weeks we laid the foundations with lots of base training and from December I started inserting quality work, first on the roads near home and then with the December retreat in Spain: two weeks in Moraira, in Costa Blanca".

Now you are still in Costa Blanca for the January team retreat. How will preparation proceed and what races do you have on the calendar?
"I have a draft calendar for the first part of the season that includes all the classics, which are the highlight of my season. To prepare them at best, I'll do a high-altitude training camp on Teide. We should arrive ready for the first races, which will be Algarve and Almería, and then already by late February we'll start with races in Belgium. I should do Tirreno and then all the classics".

For the classics, what will be your role?
"Besides me, among others, we have Matteo Trentin, Stefan Küng and Marco Haller: this allows us to be competitive in almost all races. Then, depending on how we arrive and how the race develops, we'll decide who will be the team leader. I'll rely on my quick sprint, trying to stay at the front and play everything in a possible sprint".

Among the classics, which suits you best and how would you play your cards?
"The classic I like most at the moment and that I consider most suitable for me is Gand-Wevelgem. So far I haven't achieved great placements, fifteenth in 2024, but for my characteristics it's probably the one where I can do best. The goal would be to remain at the front with a small group and then win in a sprint".