Marco Saligari – The Commisar's Report

Behind the wheel
Photo: © Tim Maloney

Marco Saligari was a pro for 12 years, where he earned the nickname “Il Commisario” for his ability to astutely read a race and provide leadership on the road for his team-mates. Since the beginning of this year Marco has been the director of sport for Colnago-Landbouwkrediet, a squad of 23 riders, most of whom are “neoprofessionisti” or young riders. Saligari will be writing a column this year for Cyclingnews.com

Index to Marco Saligari diary entries

Radio, Radio

May 22, 2002: Benevento, Italy

For the first rest day at the Giro I did something perhaps a bit foolish - I decided to go for a ride with the team. My idea was to see the climbs for the next day's stage from Fossano-Limone Piemonte. We went up the super-steep Colletto del Moro climb with some parts as much as a 22 percent gradient. Don't ask me how I did since I had to make a few stops along the way but it was a good experience for the riders and me.

And it was right on this climb that the Giro didn't disappoint; it was a big show and a lot of our riders were really struck by the huge crowds. Trying again and again for a stage win, Popovych has gotten to third place in the general classification. I often speak of how our young riders are gaining experience this first year and despite a few mistakes, 'Popo' is having a great Giro so far.

As far as the rest of the team is concerned, day by day they are also improving and above all, we are seeing the friendships and bonding that happens on a team.

The ongoing doping scandal has been a bad aspect of this Giro, with the Maglia Rosa Garzelli having to leave the race. The story is still developing; it's not over yet and it may well have a negative psychological impact on the riders because of the climate of tension and stress that's around.

The first big test for the team will be along the climb to Campitello Matese (Stage 11) and I am confident that the team will do well and work for their leader Popo. (Popovych finished a respectable 25th on the stage and fell to seventh on gc. - Ed)

We have decided to use some really special super-light wheels for Popo on the climbing stages and as well, we are using the two-way radio to talk to the riders in the race. How do we use the radio? We use it for information on breaks and the race situation and in certain moments, we use it to encourage the riders when their morale might be low. That's how Sorensen in particular uses the radio to keep our team riders up and focused.

A prestissimo
Marco