Patrick Lefevere has a vision of Gianni Moscon signing: "It is the same story as with Mark Cavendish"

Gianni Moscon's signing for Soudal - Quick-Step was one of the surprises of the winter, and it was very much due to Patrick Lefevere's finger in it. The manager of the Belgian team tells the story behind the signing and the vision he has for the Italian.

“After all the big stories of the past week, can it be about sports? About the gamble I took on the transfer market? Despite everything, I am a believer in Gianni Moscon and I am certainly happy that he is finally driving for our team,” Lefevere wrote in his Het Nieuwsblad column. "...Lombardi (Moscon's agent, ed.), as a good salesman, told a whole story: Gianni only wanted to ride for our team. It was either that or quit as a driver and become an apple farmer in Italy. Long story short: I made Lombardi an dishonorable proposition. I was able to offer Moscon the contract of a newcomer. So the minimum. No one should believe me, but I really do that with red cheeks. It is the same story as with Mark Cavendish: you know that you do not pay a rider what he is intrinsically worth.”

Hence, Moscon got a "second chance" in the professional peloton. The Italian had mentioned how he had completely lost motivation within Astana, where he was not allowed to follow a training program that allowed him to rebuild his form - and was subsequently racing without motivation or good form. He was close to retiring, but with a spot available in the team, Lefevere opened up to receive the Italian who he particularly likes.

“Of course: Moscon is a rider with a reputation. A short fuse on the bike, just like I had. It was not an item for me, sponsor Specialized did send an email with a number of concerns. As good Americans, they must of course guard their image. We also discussed behavior during the intake interview, but I am not worried," he admits. "I have now come to know Gianni as an atypical Italian. Never the big word at the table, rather a calm character next to the bike.”

Although it is only a minimum salary and one-year contract, Lefevere does not discar the idea of improving this in the future or even renewing if the Italian shows strong level throughout the season. “His first races of the season were difficult, but after two years of struggling, that is not abnormal."

"If Gianni finds his best form again with us - following the example of Cav - I will be a happy manager. And the agreement has been made: if performance is good, we will also do something about the minimum contract.”