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

Star of the future

May 30, 2002

We've come to the last week of the Giro d'Italia and Popovych has slipped back in the classifica, but in my opinion, this is not that serious, maybe even better that he'll be watched less by the others and can still try and win one of the last stages. If Popovych can win a stage that would be great. He's a great athlete and a good guy. I have to say that I'm proud to work with a rider who is so uncomplicated and has such an open, honest attitude towards others.

His team-mates certainly recognize his leadership qualities, not only his ability to be strong on the bike but also that like a true champion, he really wants to succeed. I'm sure that with his talent and desire, Popovych will do well in his future racing career.

(Ed Note: On Stage 17, Yaroslav Popovych had an excellent ride to finish 11th, 4'33" behind stage winner Pavel Tonkov and moved up to 12th overall @11'34", a position he held the rest of the way to Milano.)

A prestissimo
Marco