dAmiano Caruso He has arrived at the Giro with the serenity of someone who has already experienced almost everything on a bicycle. The Italian, one of those riders who have built a career based on craftsmanship, endurance and respect within the peloton, could be facing his last participation in his home race. And yet, he speaks without drama. With the calm as always. With the gesture of a veteran who knows that every outing, every port and every day of rest counts more than ever.
“I’m fine, I feel fine,” he explains to MARCA at this start of the Giro. Caruso arrives after a demanding test like the Tour of Romandie, which left him with good feelings, but also wear and tear. “I have done a very hard race and I am a little tired of it. I am enjoying these days of rest to try to be in the best possible condition for the Giro. I am very confident,” he points out.
The dream, at this point, does not need too much literature. Caruso does not talk about great speeches or impossible things. Talk about winning. To raise his arms once again in a race that is part of his sporting life. “Winning a stage, for me, is the most I can ask for. Winning stages here is very important, very nice,” he acknowledges.
At 38 years old, the Italian continues to be one of those silent references in the peloton. Young people are pushing, cycling is moving faster and faster and each generation seems to arrive with less fear. But Caruso is still there. No secrets, he says. No magic formulas. “There is no secret. Just a lot of work, dedication and trust,” he summarizes.
Looking to the future
He also speaks fondly of Pello Bilbaopartner and friend, who is not in this Giro and who is also facing the final stretch of his career. “For me he is one of the most important companions of my career. It is a great loss for cycling, but the friendship I have with him will be forever,” says Caruso.leaving one of those phrases that weigh more for how they are said than for what they appear.
Regarding the race, the Italian does not hide. For him, Jonas Vingegaard is a step above the rest. “He’s the number one favorite,” he admits. Although in the Giro, as you know, no one wins at the start. “Let’s see. You never know. It will be three weeks,” he remembers.
Caruso begins his last Giro without making a sound, like so many times. But with a clear desire: to find a day, an escape, an arrival, an opportunity. And turn it into a farewell.
