Matteo Trentin wishes that his new team Tudor Pro Cycling can secure a Giro d'Italia wildcard: "Yes, I'm hopeful. Why not?"

Matteo Trentin is optimistic about both his own and Tudor Pro Cycling's chances of success in 2024, with a Giro d'Italia wildcard a realistic target for the ProTeam. The Swiss team secured Trentin's signature back in August and he is keen to provide the young team with an experienced head whilst also taking on leadership roles in the Classics.

Discussing his hopes for next season with GCN ahead of the Veneto Classic, his last race for UAE Team Emirates, the 34-year-old cited Tudor's ambition as part of what attracted him to the team. "The team is super young and they want to grow." Hinting at how he will help the team to improve, he added: "To grow you need an experienced guy who knows what to do, when to go."

Read also

Jumbo-Visma becomes 'Visma – Lease a Bike' in 2024

"The stuff behind the scenes is already really well prepared but you need someone in the race to have an insight into what’s going on." Asked if he thought the team could get a Giro d'Italia wildcard, and make their Grand Tour debut in the process, in 2024, Trentin's response was to the point: "Yes, I'm hopeful. Why not?"

Assessing the team's current roster, the Classics specialist revealed how impressed he was by the performances of Dutchman Arvid de Kleijn in 2023. "He’s stepped up because he was a good sprinter already but this year he really showed he has potential and probably can grow again." De Kleijn and Trentin will be joined by Alberto Dainese next year too, after he signed a two-year deal from Team DSM-firmenich.

Read also

Tom Dumoulin completes the course of Amsterdam's half maraton in impressive time of 1:10.04

The alternative calendar that Tadej Pogacar could have in 2024: Giro, Vuelta, Itzulia, San Remo, Roubaix, World Championship...