Filippo Baroncini can't skip steps in a fight for the spot on UAE's classics "A" team: "The results in the semi-classics show that you can compete in the major classics too"
Cycling
Filippo Baroncini may be far from the most striking name on UAE Team Emirates - XRG roster, however that doesn't take away from his qualities as a cyclist. Winner of the Super 8 Classic last year, the versatile 24-year-old has a knack for classics where he'd like to leave his mark this spring.
In an interview for bici.pro, Baroncini looks forward to his impending race schedule that features almost exclusively one-day races: "I would like to have my freedom in all of them, but the one I care about the most is definitely the revenge at the GP de Denain, where I broke my elbow last year. It was very unlucky and I would really like to redeem myself."
Can the Italian count on having a protected role within the stacked UAE Team Emirates - XRG? "As for the roles of captain, we will see: I will race alongside riders like Wellens, Pollitt and Morgado, who are growing a lot," he notes about the other strong leaders.
After having warmed up at the 1.Pro races of this week, the real action will take off next week. Any race in particular that could suit Baroncini? "As for this week's races, I think that Gent Wevelgem is a race that is a little closer to my characteristics. But all these races in Belgium, apart from the great classics, require a mix of speed and resistance."
Above all, he wishes to evade an injury though, unlike like last year: "My hope is to be able to avoid unexpected events such as punctures, falls... And if everything goes well, the sensations are good."
Is he thinking about competing for a result at the Monumental classics like Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix? "Yes there is a possibility," he assures, "but I would like to be able to do well in the smaller races before focusing on those races. It is important because the results in the semi-classics show that you can compete in the major classics too, so I try to take things day by day."
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Ondrej ZhasilCycling Journalist
Ondřej Zhasil is a cycling journalist at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2023. He is based in Ostrava, the third-largest city in the Czech Republic, and covers professional cycling across the main UCI competitions, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España. A key focus of his work is startlist analysis and pre-race coverage, where he examines team selections, rider line-ups, and tactical scenarios ahead of major events.
Alongside WorldTour coverage, Ondřej has developed specific expertise in junior cycling and in racing across East Asia, including competitions in China and Japan. He also maintains a broad working knowledge of other disciplines and levels, including cyclocross, while continuing to expand his understanding of mountain bike racing.
Ondřej holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physics, which supports his analytical, data-driven approach to performance and race analysis. In his reporting, he regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available.
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Rafionain-Glas08-11-2026 - He is boring
leedorney08-11-2026 - To Twoje przemyślenia te bla, bla :)
Dariusz08-11-2026 - Uwielbiam patrzeć, jak wyjeżdża na czoło peletonu i zaczyna się rzeź...Dariusz08-11-2026
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parisbound0008-11-2026 - there needs to be space in life for pointless comments!Ketterechts08-11-2026
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