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

End of the season, but the beginning of another

November 15, 2002

Hello my dear friends. Well the 2002 season is over, so now is the time to analyse what happened with the Colnago-Landbouwkrediet team this season and also what went on in the general environment of cycling. Regarding our team, I have to say that for our youngsters this year, everyone gained a lot of experience because we were able to participate in major stage races like Tour of Romandie, the Giro d'Italia, the Tour de l'Avenir, World Championships, Giro di Lombardia and GP of Philadelphia [USPRO Championships].

The 2002 season didn't bring us any major wins, but considering that our team is mostly made up of young riders, we see the season in a positive light. As I've explained a number of times in my diary this year, to be a pro rider requires a different level of strength, and a different ability to interpret the race. Both of these only come from experience. It's inevitable that the first experience as pro riders is very difficult.

What really matters is that our young riders can participate in events with riders of the top level; that they have to learn to walk before they can run. That every year their preparation and training is approached and executed with a greater level of seriousness. And we are seeing that this is a new type of cycling, where doping plays an ever smaller role and there is the confirmation of the big names, from Armstrong to Cipollini, from Bettini to Bartoli, to Freire and Zabel; riders who succeeded in the big show, transmitting and spreading new enthusiasm to cycling fans (and hopefully potential sponsors).

All my best wishes to you for your short but profitable winter rest period and to you the passionate followers of ciclismo, see you next season!

Your friend,
Marco Saligari