Domenico Pozzovivo set to return - 43-year old Italian to make pro cycling comeback after retirement in 2024

Domenico Pozzovivo is set to rejoin the professional peloton more than a year after announcing his retirement. The Italian called time on his career after Il Lombardia 2024 at 41, but now he is preparing an unexpected comeback to competition in 2026.

According to reporting from Gazzetta dello Sport, multiple sources have confirmed that Pozzovivo already has a deal in place with Solution Tech–Vini Fantini, paving the way for his return to the international calendar. His comeback ranks among the most striking stories in recent cycling, especially given the time elapsed since his retirement.

The return would not be long in coming. The Italian press reports his first start will be at the Tour of the Alps, scheduled from the 20th to 24th of April. It is a demanding race with a mountainous profile that suits the attributes that have always defined the Italian.

Pozzovivo is a rider that much like Alejandro Valverde, has kept a high level all throughout his career and into his 40's, product of a clear passion for training. Even after his retirement he never slowed down, and has been pursuing KOM's throughout the Alps as a result. His climbing performance continued to stand out and his level continued to be that of a pro rider.

He has finished in the Top10 of the Giro d'Italia on six different occasions and finished 20th in his final participation back in 2024.

Throughout his career, Domenico Pozzovivo compiled several standout results, particularly in stage races. His major achievements include overall victory at the Giro del Trentino in 2012, where he also took three stage wins across different editions (2010, 2012, and 2015). He also won the Brixia Tour overall in 2010, a race in which he collected three partial victories, and claimed stages at marquee events such as the Giro d’Italia (2012), Volta a Catalunya (2015), and Tour de Suisse (2017).

He also showed remarkable consistency in general classifications, with runner-up finishes at the Giro del Trentino (2014 and 2018), the Tour of Oman (2019), and the Brixia Tour (2009 and 2011). He added two second places at the one-day Tre Valli Varesine (2010 and 2011) and took third overall at the Volta a Catalunya in 2015, cementing his status as a competitive rider on demanding courses.