The season ended this Sunday and there's already a veil of nostalgia at Cofidis. 2026 concludes with 18 victories, with Milan Fretin's final double at the Tour of Guangxi that already makes us eager to look ahead to next year. But the nostalgia that overwhelms us is especially for those leaving the team. A week after Ion Izagirre's retirement, it's Roberto Damiani's turn to step down. For 9 years he was one of the team's sporting directors. After officiating for the last time last Sunday at the Tour of Veneto, he spoke at length.

A special team. «In 9 years, I've seen great evolution within the team, both among the riders and in the staff. The approach to competition and work has also changed. But what has always remained is Cofidis's constant support. I truly felt part of all this, an employee of the group like everyone else. It's a great opportunity to have benefited from the constant support of a single sponsor for so long, while remaining at the highest level. I've always tried to repay and honor this trust».

A successful 2026. «We took the time to look each other in the eye, to question ourselves, to fight to build a team with an irreproachable attitude. Inevitably, after last year's difficult season, we could only expect to do better. But the team was mobilized throughout the season with determination. We can be satisfied with these 18 victories and especially with the mental attitude shown throughout the entire season».

The working method. «I have an Italian style and also Italian pride (laughs)! As a sporting director, it's important to know which direction you're heading and what you want to convey to the riders. Even if it sometimes goes against what they think, you must stay the course by always putting the team first. I've always done everything possible to put my experience and energy at the service of the team».

The evolution of cycling. «From my debut as a sporting director in 1984 to today, cycling has changed 360 degrees. One of the main changes is that we have less time for face-to-face exchanges with riders. Now we've multiplied communication channels: messages, WhatsApp groups, videos. We also have increasingly more stakeholders among coaches, nutritionists, and osteopaths. This has allowed us to improve rider follow-up and have a real impact on their performance. But at the same time, it's important to ensure coordination and fluidity of exchanges with everyone. It's this cohesion, which is essential, that allows us to perform well».

The Cofidis riders who impressed him the most. «Obviously I'm thinking of Benjamin Thomas. I was very moved seeing that a rider from our team won the Olympics in his home country. An Italian so emotional about a Frenchman winning, well, that's certainly a rare thing! Benjamin has a very kind personality, a great road captain. I also think of Ion Izagirre and his incredible professionalism, Elia Viviani and Simone Consonni, but also Anthony Pérez, Stéphane Rossetto. I like riders with personality and who are straightforward».

His greatest victory with Cofidis. «It was in May 2018 at the Tour of Yorkshire. I really wanted to do well in that race: there was the final stage where Stéphane Rossetto broke away for over 120 km. We experienced very strong synergy, him on the bike while we in the team car did everything possible to help him hold on and resist. He made an incredible and unforgettable gesture».