Not just national teams: Tour de l'Avenir becomes mixed event

The Tour de l'Avenir – one of the most important races for U23 riders – will this year welcome not only national teams. Commercial (development) teams are now also allowed, as Marino Amadori explains in an interview with Bici.Pro.

The former pro cyclist has been the coach of the Italian U23 national team for a long time. "This year the Tour de l'Avenir will be a mixed event: reserved for teams and national selections," he points out. "The best riders from our country will compete in team formations."

This includes Lorenzo Finn, the reigning U23 world champion, who rides for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe Rookies. The new Italian cycling sensation is expected to contest the Tour de l'Avenir for this team.

Sporting setback
This is a major blow for Amadori and the Italian federation. "It is clear that – if the best riders compete for their development teams – it will be difficult for us to compete. The expectation is that we will not participate as a national team."

"There is no point in participating with riders from continental teams or even club teams. I want to further develop these riders by letting them race in high-level events where there is still room to try something new. This concerns a group of about ten riders."