“He needs to learn to ride more out of the saddle” – Domenico Pozzovivo analyzes Giulio Pellizzari’s climbing style

Giulio Pellizzari impressed many with his performance at the recent Vuelta a España, finishing sixth in the overall classification and getting his first professional win at the Alto del Morredero. The Italian wonderkind, aged 21, had already showed signs of what he was capable of last year, finishing second at the KOM classification of the Giro d'Italia and almost snatching a stage win from Tadej Pogacar.

Such a talent could not stay at a non-World Tour level team like Bardiani for too long, and it was Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe who won the bid and signed him until 2027. During his first season with the team, he has certainly not disappointed, becoming the youngest rider ever to finish in the top 10 of two Grand Tours in a single season, surpassing the likes of Felice Gimondi and Laurent Fignon in terms of precocity.

However, as it happens to everyone, the young climber still has areas to improve, particularly on the steepest gradients, at least according to Domenico Pozzovivo. Pellizzari, who rode with Pozzovivo at VF Group - Bardiani CSF - Faizanè in 2024, tends to struggle on extreme climbs exceeding 13-14 percent, and the former Italian professional believes to know the reason.

“It would be interesting to see his files, but from what I see and remember, Pellizzari always rides seated, and on certain gradients, it’s important to be able to stand up on the pedals," Pozzovivo said in an interview to bici.pro. "If we look closely, Vingegaard does it too, and even a consistent rider like Almeida. Pellizzari has his own style, which guarantees him a very high level in the saddle, as we saw in this Vuelta, but he certainly needs to learn to ride more out of the saddle. This could be crucial for Giulio.”

The former Italian professional explains that standing out of the saddle allows a rider to generate more momentum and deliver sharper bursts of power on steep climbs. “Standing out of the saddle more would also allow him to have a bit more momentum, a sharper change of pace. Take Isaac Del Toro: the two are very similar on climbs, both tall and both ride very seated, but when the Mexican stands up on the pedals he can deliver more watts. That’s the whole difference.”

Pellizzari himself had mentioned that his weight - 183 centimeters tall and 66 kilos - can make certain gradients more challenging. Pozzovivo outlined ways the young rider can adapt, both on and off the bike:

“There are exercises in the gym, some strength-training, but you can also adjust your position on the bike, like adjusting the height of the handlebars or the levers to make it more comfortable when standing. But above all, and I emphasize this, you should force yourself to stay in this position as much as possible, especially when you have to do specific or intense work. Which, paradoxically, was my problem… but the opposite! I was almost in it too much. But you also need to stay out of the saddle. You have to get used to producing high wattages while standing.”

Pozzovivo also pointed out that the days of ultra-light climbers are gone. However, heavier riders can still excel when climbing out of the saddle. “Regarding weight, the 50-kilo grimpeur no longer exists and it’s more complicated for these guys to stay on their feet for a long time, but Jay Vine, who certainly doesn’t weigh 50 kilos, is proof that you can stay out of the saddle for a long time.”

Both Pellizzari and Vine are expected to participate in the World Championships - Men's Road Race that will take place in Rwanda on September 28.