03/11/2022

Giro podium "will be possible next year" for Domenico Pozzovivo who seeks to continue with Intermarché

Domenico Pozzovivo almost had an involuntary end to his career at the end of 2021 as his former team Qhubeka NextHash disbanded before the Christmas period and it was almost too late to grab a contract. In February, Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux signed him, and he's looking to keep the collaboration up into 2023.

“I never thought of ending my career. I've always said that to the team, but for now I can't count on a contract extension," Pozzovivo said in an interview with Quibicisport. “These are only teams that are not yet sure of participating in the Grand Tours, which are my favorite races. after all."

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Pozzovivo was signed with the season underway, but had a strong year. The veteran rode into an 8th place at the Giro d'Italia where he was in the fight for the Top5 almost throughout the entire race, and in the late season classics he rode to third place at the Giro dell'Emilia only behind Enric Mas and Tadej Pogacar. He's finished 9th at the Tour de Suisse, 13th at Tirreno-Adriatico, but has had to abandon races such as the Giro di Sicilia and Il Lombardia where he was expected to have strong results.

A new agreement with Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert is very possible. I feel good within the team and I would like to extend. I hope it all goes well," he admitted. The Belgian team has struggled with finances into the coming season, having a low budget and having to let go riders such as Alexander Kristoff and Jan Hirt who headlined the team this season - in order to keep Biniam Girmay and develop it's classics-oriented team.

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This has seen Pozzovivo as a rider who wasn't planned to renew. He hopes to do so however, with a decision yet to be made. “I hope to be at the start of the Giro d'Italia again next year. I already know the course almost in detail," Pozzovivo shared, motivated already to ride the Corsa Rosa for a 17th time.

"It would be wonderful to relive the fourth stage, the one to Lago Laceno. In 2012 I won my first and so far only stage in the Giro at Lago Laceno. I am very sorry that I have never been on the Giro podium. Maybe that will be possible next year," he concluded.