If it were up to XDS Astana, Emilio Magni would have a lifetime contract. And for someone who has spent a lifetime in the world of cycling, it would be the best solution. If it were up to Maurizio Mazzoleni, the same would apply, but in between there is Mrs. Alessandra, the wife of the doctor from Prato, 76 years old as of last March 27th: "She gave me an expiration date, like medicine: you get to the Lombardia and then that's it".

Final Giro for Emilio Magni, from Vaiano in Prato, just like the "third man" Fiorenzo (father Mario was a cousin of the Lion of Flanders, editor's note). Final races for a man, a doctor who has lived through thirty years of cycling history. "My first team? In 1997, Fabio Bordonali's Brescialat: professional debut at Tirreno-Adriatico – Magni recalls -. Then, from Mario Cioli's Brescialat, to Liquigas Pata, also Bordonali's, and then to Mercatone Uno, in 2000, with Stefano Garzelli in the pink jersey thanks to Marco Pantani. And then Fassa Bortolo under Giancarlo Ferretti and back to Liquigas under Roberto Amadio in 2005. Finally Astana, Bahrain, Trek and Astana again, essentially to stay close to Vincenzo (Nibali, editor's note)".

How many champions: from Pantani to Petacchi, from Francesco Casagrande to Danilo Di Luca, from Peter Sagan to Roman Kreuziger, all the way to Ivan Basso and Vincenzo Nibali… "I specialized in sports medicine in 1996, after previously obtaining specializations in anesthesia and intensive care – Emilio Magni explains to us -. In these years I've had a lot of fun, even though difficult moments certainly haven't been lacking. What have I won vicariously? It's easier to tell you what I've never won: a Tour Down Under, a Flanders, and a Roubaix. For the rest, I've been fortunate enough to celebrate everything".

But his wife is now calling him home. "And I can certainly understand that – he adds -. I'm no longer a young man and I've been on the road long enough. I'll get to the Lombardia and then hang up "the bike" for good. Also because my profession has changed so much. Today there are so many figures in a team: from the press officer to the nutritionist, from the marketing manager to the osteopath, to the psychologist. Before there was more direct contact: a handwritten note was enough, a phone call or a couple of words with the person involved. Today there are formats to follow, everything must be documented: there's so much bureaucracy…".

Maybe his wife Alessandra is right… "That's how it is. There's a time for everything. She worked for years as a school principal and has been retired for a few years. She's enjoying life, I'm always under pressure and, rightfully, she'd like to enjoy life a bit with me. The kids are doing well: Stefano, who has a degree in financial management, lives in Milan where he works for a company; Elena works as a lawyer, lives in Prato. In short, everything is fine: we just need to reclaim our time. And it's time to do it".

Which victory has remained closest to your heart? "Many, so many, but two in particular: Vincenzo's Giro in 2016, when at Sant'Anna di Vinadio he managed to turn the situation around and won a Giro that seemed already lost. And then Michele Bartoli's Amstel Gold Race: that was also a beautiful emotion. I thought that after the knee injury he would never be the same again, but instead he achieved that victory that still moves me today".

But there's still time before retirement: the Lombardia is far away. "It's far away, but it's there. That's my finish line. Before a new beginning". From Alexander (Vinokourov) to Mrs. Alessandra: "How do you say it? A team manager is for life".