A year after finishing fourth, Federico Savino returned to the Tour de Bretagne with confidence and achieved an even better result, stepping onto the final podium after an intense and aggressive week of racing.

For the twenty-one-year-old Italian, this is a race that seems to bring out his qualities: "It's a course that really suits me. The stages are long and demanding, but there are no crazy climbs. It's more about being explosive, and that's where I can give my best. I really enjoy this race".

Savino's result is not the fruit of a single moment, but of a day-by-day construction, with a well-defined plan and strong team support.

«From day one, they trusted me for the general classification. Last year they saw that I could do well in the general classification here, so they supported me completely. On the last day I was still quite far back in the standings and the gaps were minimal, so we decided to give it everything. The team made the race hard, pushed the pace and in the end I managed to stay with the best. That's how I secured second place.»

Now, in his fourth year with Team Soudal Quick-Step Devo, Savino is beginning to define his strengths, but he's in no rush to label himself.

«I don't yet know exactly what type of rider I am - he admits -. But I think I can do well in week-long stage races like this one. At the same time, I don't want to force things too early. I just want to keep growing and see where I can go.»

Like many young Italian riders, Savino has one race circled on his calendar more than any other.

«The Giro NextGen is a major goal for me. As an Italian, it's like a world championship. It's a beautiful race and I'd really like to do well. I don't think I'll target the general classification. I want to try to win a stage, something I wasn't able to do last year».

Savino has already had a taste of higher-level racing, competing with the World Tour squad on several occasions, including a successful week in Slovakia: «It was a really nice experience and very useful for me. I was able to see how a World Tour team works, how it races, how it wins. It helps you understand what you need to do to take the next step».

Outside of racing, Savino's path in cycling hasn't been straightforward. Growing up in Pisa, he tried almost everything before dedicating himself to two wheels. «As a child I did many sports: football, swimming, boxing, volleyball... I tried everything - he says with a smile -. But cycling gave me the best sensations, the most intense emotions, so in the end I chose that. I met the president of a small local team near my home, who invited me to try. I did, and I was already pretty good, so everything started from there».

When he's not racing or training, Savino dedicates himself to a simple life.
«I like trekking in the mountains, spending time with my girlfriend and my friends and relaxing: watching Netflix and recovering energy. I really love mountain life. That's where I feel good».