Having had the opportunity to get to know the colors and reality of Quick Pro in recent seasons, the announcement of Riccardo Lucca's signing (made official last February) could not help but strike us. Being a formation from Estonia previously affiliated in Mongolia and in any case always oriented (by virtue of the sponsors that support it) towards Asia, it was unlikely to expect the signing of an Italian rider, a scenario that instead became reality this winter when the pink and blue team surprisingly welcomed the twenty-nine-year-old from Trentino among its ranks, giving him the opportunity to continue racing.

Coming off his 2025 experience with Hungarian team Karcag, Lucca then flew to China where, once he settled into the new environment and became familiar with the structure and materials, he found himself taking part in the first races with his new teammates, competing in succession in the Tour of Thailand, Tour of Wanlv Lake (a Chinese national race that he finished in second place) and, finally, Tour of Hainan.

It was here, along the roads of the tropical island in the South China Sea, that we had the opportunity to meet him and have him tell us how this chance materialized, how the first contact with Quick Pro came about (becoming the first Italian in the team's history) and what he was able to observe, both in racing and off the bike, during the last few weeks spent on the Asian continent.

Riccardo, how did this opportunity to race here come about?

"Through social media. Through Fabrizio Maesani, who collaborates with them, I got in touch with the team and we started communicating until we reached an agreement. The team is affiliated in Estonia but is owned by Chinese and is tied to its materials: the team manager is the owner of Cybrei, a brand that produces cranksets and components, the main sponsor manufactures the frames, while Ferei takes care of wheels, handlebars and all other components".

How did your family take the fact that you embarked on this experience?

"My girlfriend and my family encouraged me to undertake this new adventure. I've always been a bit afraid of changes, while they were almost more convinced than me in this case".

What was your relationship with Asia before today?

"I had been to the Qinghai Lake twice with Bardiani and I remember those were the two pro races where I performed best in their jersey. We're talking about a completely different world because, from hotels to food to local life, there are many dynamics you have to adapt to. It's pointless to be stubborn and look for something European-Western. For example, if they don't have a fork, you won't get one, you just have to accept it".

Seeing you race in Italy will be difficult, but maybe you'll have some opportunities in Europe.

"In Europe, since the team is affiliated in Estonia and has mostly Estonian riders, we will certainly participate in the Tour of Estonia and the Tour of Lithuania. I think that, for now, these are the only races on the European calendar we'll take part in".

You, Konychev, Cataldo, Tagliani: Italians are increasingly looking east and towards Asia.

"Because it's cycling that's looking in that direction".

Do you think that in the future we'll see more European and Italian riders coming to race in this part of the world?

"From what I see, cycling in China, but in general in the East, has developed very quickly because of the materials, while on the other hand, from the point of view of riders and human resources, it's still catching up, but it will grow exponentially on that front too: as it has grown in terms of bicycles, it will also grow in terms of athletes. Looking at us, I'm not the first and won't be the last to venture into this world because the cycling done here is different from European cycling. We're talking about cycling that allows you to race much more carefree and makes you want to ride a bike, while in Europe someone might sometimes take that away from you. Basically, it's much more beautiful cycling even though you have to make some sacrifices because you shouldn't forget that, when you find the right flight, you're still just a day away from home".

Do you feel the distance from Italy then?

"A little bit, yes. What weighs most is the time difference because, with six or sometimes seven hours of difference, when you want to call someone at home, you often have to find the right window, but if you organize yourself, you can work around it".

Goals for the season? Have you set any particular targets?

"Well, I've always struggled with the start of the season, even more so if, like this year, it comes in April, but in the second half, starting from when we return to China in July after the national championships, I already know we'll have a nice calendar with very demanding .1 and .Pro races where the level will be high also because European teams, with their riders, won't be missing".

So you don't have the pressure of results at all costs.

"Here the result is something that can come but isn't guaranteed, you definitely have to earn it and it's also linked to many dynamics that in European races maybe aren't taken into consideration".

What's it like having someone like Martin Laas in the team car, who until last year was winning races repeatedly?

"I immediately noticed that his perspective is different, absolutely new for me. At the Tour of Thailand, before the start of the opening stage, instead of hearing the usual radio warnings like "stay up front and go for the breakaway," he said "guys have fun and give your best" knowing full well that, anyway, we're all here to race not to pass the time. His is a completely different approach that makes you feel at ease and allows you to give your best".

Is your goal to return to Europe or wouldn't you rule out staying here for a few years?

"I don't know. We'll have to see what direction this team takes because, looking around, we've seen that XDS, through Astana, entered the World Tour, our same bikes this year are used by Euskaltel, so it's not to be ruled out that maybe, in the near future, something similar could happen for a team like the one I'm in now".

Speaking of materials, what impressions have you had?

"It's the best bike I've ever ridden, the fastest one I've had. It runs Ultegra for obvious reasons, but it's really top-notch stuff".

In conclusion, was the choice you made the best one you could have made?

"In my opinion, for now, absolutely yes".