“It’s up to them if they want to use my advice” – New Red Bull signing hopes to guide Giulio Pellizzari & Remco Evenepoel towards Grand Tour glory

Mattia Cattaneo is not a rider who chases headlines, but his steady reliability has earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted lieutenants in the World Tour. Speaking to Bici.Pro ahead of the World Championships in Kigali, the 34-year-old Italian reflected on his forthcoming switch from Soudal - Quick-Step to Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe and his desire to help nurture both Remco Evenepoel and rising Italian prospect Giulio Pellizzari.

“I hope I can be a point of reference for Giulio,” Cattaneo explained. “He’s a very ambitious rider, and rightly so given what he’s already shown. But at the end of the day, he has to be Giulio Pellizzari, not Mattia Cattaneo or anyone else. With my leaders I always give my opinion honestly, then it’s up to them to decide if they want to listen, what to listen to, and how to use my advice.”

It is this blend of humility and authority that Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe were eager to secure. Pellizzari, just 21, has emerged as one of Italy’s brightest Grand Tour hopes, while Evenepoel will arrive at the German squad with Olympic gold and a growing list of expectations. For both, Cattaneo could be the calm voice of experience in decisive moments.

The Italian insists his transfer was not solely down to Evenepoel’s own move from Soudal - Quick-Step, but he admits the Belgian’s presence accelerated negotiations. “Honestly, I already had contacts before Remco began discussions. But of course his arrival played an important role. We’ve built a great relationship over the years, and he’s trusted me in some of the most important race situations.”

That mutual confidence has been visible throughout their time at Quick-Step. Evenepoel, despite his reputation as a maverick talent, has often looked to Cattaneo in tense stages when reliability and positioning are everything.

Much of Cattaneo’s value lies in his versatility. “I’m one of the few riders who can help with a sprint train and also ride alongside the leader in the mountains,” he noted. “That flexibility is a strength. In time trials too, I’m not a champion but I’m always among the better riders. Consistency has allowed me to always support my leaders.”

Before joining his new teammates, Cattaneo will wear Italian colours at the World Championships in Rwanda, tackling the individual time trial, the mixed team relay, and the road race. The parcours, he feels, suits him well enough to aim for a top-ten finish. “Getting onto the podium will be very difficult,” he admitted. “But if I finish between seventh and tenth I’ll be satisfied.”

From there, his attention will turn to the Italian autumn classics and Il Lombardia, where he will once again ride in service of Evenepoel. Only after that will his new chapter begin. “At my age, to feel so valued by a team of this calibre is very gratifying,” Cattaneo reflected. “I was happy at Quick-Step, but for the final years of my career, a fresh challenge can only be positive. I’ve seen a lot in cycling, good and bad, and I think I can bring that experience to help a young group find the right balance between being ‘robots’ and being human.”