Yesterday at the Drali Repsol Team presentation, we had the opportunity to have a chat with Alexander Kristoff, freshly "retired" in the ownership of the Norwegian Continental team. The European champion from Herning 2017, winner of Milan-Sanremo and the Tour of Flanders, visiting FSA-Vision, revealed a crazy idea that could materialize this summer. His dream was to close with 100 victories, but the crash at the Tour de Langkawi meant he had to stop at 98.

Is the thought of pinning on a number again there?

"From Malaysia, I've only been out on the bike twice, so now I couldn't be competitive in any way, but if in the next few months the team were to experience an emergency and need a rider to field... (smiles, ed). I was disappointed to leave professional cycling with a crash, and if the Tour of Norway (from the same ownership as the Drali-Repsol team, ed) were still on the calendar, I would have the motivation to start training again and go after two stages. In August, there's the Arctic Race of Norway, we'll see how the summer goes..."

How have you spent your first winter as a former pro?

"Not too differently from previous ones. I've enjoyed my family and taken advantage of free time to do some renovation work I had postponed during the racing seasons. Now I'll try to take it easy until spring arrives and... the garden will need some care".

Do you miss racing?

"Not yet, but the season has just started... I haven't used the bike, also because it's very cold in Norway at this time, but I've been frequenting the gym a lot with my eldest son, who is 14 and plays soccer. I love training, and it's something I'll continue to do. I'm teaching my two younger children to swim, so once a week I'm going to the pool with them. It's nice to be able to spend daily life with them, who pedal but only to go to school and practice other sports".

What has cycling taught you?

"That hard work pays off. It's a very rewarding sport. When you train and do everything right, results eventually come. This year, for the first time, I'll enjoy the spring classics on TV, and then, as temperatures rise, I'll want to ride again with former colleagues who live near me and remain great friends".

In the era of phenomena, is it more difficult for young riders to emerge?

"Yes, that's why a team like ours is important. The guys need time and an appropriate calendar to grow gradually. They have enthusiasm but can also make stupid mistakes, like training too much. In the meeting I held with the team three weeks ago, I suggested they not take everything too seriously. They must be professional, but always keep in mind that every day is a new opportunity. What has been done is in the past. They must learn from mistakes to avoid them and perhaps make different ones in the future".

What do you wish for these young riders just starting their careers?

"Not to burn out. The level is so high that you must always be at one hundred percent. Compared to before, for example, I now believe it's much more difficult to balance private life and work. I, despite many commitments, managed to create a beautiful family and enjoy it, while today a professional cyclist who has a child has very little time to dedicate to them because between training camps and races, they're never home".

Do you have good memories related to Italy?

"Of course. Cycling allowed me to meet many people all over the world. It was my life and, in a different way, always will be. In your country, I won little, but I managed to conquer the most important race of all, the Classicissima. My first Monument of the two I have in my palmares".

Who will win the next Milan-Sanremo?

"I know who wants it very much: Tadej Pogacar. Maybe he'll succeed already this year".

photo Matteo Cicerone/Drali