Who else but Matteo Sobrero, a true son of Montelupo Albese? To present the Barbaresco – Barolo stage with which the Coppi and Bartali Week 2026 begins, one must draw from the most authoritative source of this land's son, he who declared with a certain pride on his Instagram status "son of a winemaker".

Before talking about dad Giorgio and the family business, what will the route be like?

«It follows the 2020 Gran Piemonte, when Bennet won. A wisely chosen undulating route by definition, but not excluding. In the finale, the climb to La Morra, with the summit 11 km from the finish, livens up the ending».

Splendid Langhe hills that over the course of two years have been the stage for the Tour and Vuelta (add Cherasco in 2024)...

«Yes indeed. I had the privilege of being there on both occasions, enjoying the support of dear people and fellow countrymen, while the world was talking about our UNESCO heritage hills. I feel very connected to these places and I can even say that I perform my best on routes that closely resemble the usual training roads in my area».

Can we ask who are the Barolo and Barbaresco of current cycling?

«Well no, they don't exist, here we have champions already "ready to drink", aging is not foreseen when there are so many young riders immediately at the highest levels. If we talk about quality, then yes, we are truly in the field of wine excellence and the parallel of certain labels with the greats of our sport holds up».

What wine in particular does Sobrero like and can a rider allow himself a glass now and then?

«Personally I love Nebbiolo, I was introduced to this production by my father. As for consumption for a professional athlete, the rules of seeking quality remain valid and it is logically preferable not to conflict in any way with peak training periods».

The vineyards just outside your home in Montelupo: beautiful cycling memories and more, right?

«There I learned to ride a bike (the tractor came later, anyway before getting my driver's license, editor's note), fortunately on the less steep sections between the vines. Then sport and life have often taken me to distant places, although that horizon I've known intimately since childhood also made me discover the value of discovery, contact with nature».

A "safe harbor" where there are strong values somehow similar to cycling?

«I think about how important waiting is, on a bike, during a race or training, just as meticulously carrying out each phase of viticulture. And then, we know how important a good winter is for a cyclist. Exactly what happens in the wine world. In the vineyard you work as hard as in the saddle, in the vineyard you experience waiting, hoping not to encounter late frosts. There are subtle balances to observe».

Sobrero company in its fourth generation: what projects do Matteo and his sister Francesca have?

«First of all, to continue the path started by my father, supporting him and learning. We fully embrace the philosophy that prioritizes quality production over large volumes, paying great attention to sustainable agriculture, faithful to my grandfather's principles. He would take me to the cellar after the harvest to see the wine that was still must: he would have me taste it, an indelible memory. I studied agriculture, Francesca graduated in enology, we would like to commit ourselves also by developing in foreign markets, without in any way distorting our work. We owe it to the company's century-old history».

Meanwhile there's the season calling: what Giro do you personally imagine?

«It's the race that gave me the stage victory in the concluding time trial in Verona in 2022. With the Sanremo last Saturday I finished my first part of the season, which started in Australia. A brief recovery and the planned altitude work will bring me to the Giro, my fourth participation and first time in Lidl Trek colors, a stimulating context».

Let's insist: how many "three glasses" are there in the peloton?

«It's truly a unique season we're living, here an exceptional year follows a super one. And that general level pushes you to always give more to be ready for competition».

photo by Aldo Peinetti