A month ago Alessandro Pinarello impressed us with an excellent performance at Tirreno-Adriatico, so much so that we decided to dedicate an interview to him in the April issue of tuttoBICI. The perfect opportunity to get to know this young man who has... rewarded us and continued to amaze us until yesterday when he secured his first professional victory. So, what better occasion to share the interview we conducted just a few days ago? Here it is.

Alessandro Pinarello has been on the professional radar for some time now but, in reality, he is only 22 years old. This is thanks to the "youth project" of Bardiani run by the Reverberi family, who recruited him as a junior in 2022 - he was one of the stars of Borgo Molino - and gradually developed him, until NSN, formerly Israel, noticed him and secured him starting this year. The contract was actually signed back in 2024, when the rider from Giavera del Montello won the Palio del Recioto, finished second in the Trofeo Piva and the general classification of the Tour of Antalya. 

«It was the right choice, I've never regretted signing with Bardiani and four years later I would make the same decision - admits Pinarello -. I believe my trajectory and that of Giulio Pellizzari confirm that this type of path is valid; you can reach the WorldTour with gradual growth year after year».

The impression, then, is that the growth he speaks of has only just begun, because his first outings in NSN colors and his first tastes of WorldTour have been more than encouraging. Twelfth at the Volta ao Algarve and then, especially, Top 10 in a Tirreno-Adriatico full of stars. We're only at the beginning, but starting with a smile is always important.

Not bad for a WorldTour debut…
«Already in Algarve I had good feedback on the climbs, then at Tirreno my condition improved even more and it turned out to be a great week. I work to be consistent and to perform well all year round. Being up there surprised me a bit, but it gives me a lot of confidence for the upcoming races. I started well, now let's try to continue like this».

What was the key to this immediate jump in quality?
«I had a very good winter, working well and remaining very calm and serene. We did three weeks of training camp at Teide, then another week in Majorca before starting racing and I think that helped me a lot to arrive ready for the first races. I worked a lot on intensity, and also more in the gym. The signs are encouraging».

So altitude always bears its fruit.
«Yes, perhaps it's something that was missing for me in previous years, especially doing it in a targeted way. The impression is that, at least for me, it works very well. I'm already back on Teide, I'll stay there until mid-April to prepare for the upcoming races».

And is it easier to be in a group with a WorldTour team?
«The difference is noticeable; wearing the jersey of a WorldTour team changes your perception. However, at Tirreno my teammates deserve credit too, as they always kept me up front and allowed me to often take the climbs in an ideal position».

Del Toro, Jorgenson, Roglic… you came just a step away from these riders. Not bad at all. 
«It certainly gave me a lot of confidence, but I know I can't let it go to my head because I haven't done anything yet. Those are real phenomena, it's difficult to think of becoming like them, but maybe over time, gradually, I can try to get closer. In any case, I'm of the opinion that I should only look at myself, work to improve, without paying too much attention to what others are doing».

How did the team react to your performances?
«They're very happy with how I'm doing. The approach was already good, and the results can only cement the confidence. Feeling the team's esteem is important, indeed fundamental, and we certainly started on the right foot».

What development do they have planned for you, stage races or classics?
«Right now the focus is on stage races, especially the shorter ones, lasting a week. Already at the next race, the O Gran Caminho, there will be another test to see how I fare. We want to understand how and how much I can improve in this type of effort. The season is long anyway and there will be opportunities to also compete in one-day races».

What does your calendar look like from here on?
«Actually, the plan we drew up at the beginning of the season has completely changed, so I'm navigating somewhat by sight. Why did it change? Let's say I went a bit stronger than expected, so the team decided to try sending me to some different races to try to take advantage of some opportunities. Starting with the O Gran Caminho».

The impression is that the team wants to give you space right away. That's not trivial for such a young rider. 
«No, not at all. Arriving in the WorldTour and immediately having the chance to explore yourself, let's say, is far from guaranteed. The team is giving me these opportunities and it's nice and somewhat unexpected, because probably no one expected the good performances at Tirreno».

Will we see you at the Giro d'Italia?
«I should do it, yes. Certainly, though, if I go, my objective will be to aim for stage wins and not the general classification. Better to take one step at a time; for now the focus is on shorter races».

Also because you only raced it once, last year, and had to withdraw after just five days.
«I was desperate, even now talking about it makes me want to cry. Anyone who saw me on the train coming home from Naples after the crash probably thought "this guy isn't doing well," because I was really sad and bitter. It was the first major injury of my career and I must admit I didn't handle it well. I was home for a week with a broken scaphoid, waiting for surgery, then I had to get used to doing rollers in the middle of summer twice a day, rehabilitation and everything else. It was tough, but it was worth it because I came back very strong».

Where do you think you can still improve?
«Right now we're focusing a lot on nutrition. We'd like to fine-tune something on weight; the goal is to lose a kilogram before the Giro because we think it could give me some benefits. In these cases it's important to find the right balance, but there should be room for a small improvement».

In light of this great start, are your seasonal objectives changing? 
«Winning a race was and remains my objective for this 2026. I know the team will help me and that motivates me even more. Let's say that after this start to the season I have greater conviction that I can achieve it».

from tuttoBICI April issue