Italian climber Domenico Pozzovivo, who was on the verge of retirement in mid-October, may still continue his career into his 40s. Reports from La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest that the seasoned pro, who turns 41 at the end of November and is coming to the end of his tenure at Israel-Premier Tech, is in negotiations with Corratec-Selle Italia. Speaking ahead of the Giro del Veneto, Pozzovivo disclosed to WielerFlits that there weren’t many discussions underway. He confessed that although his desire and physical capacity to compete remain intact, he would hang up his wheels if no suitable opportunities arose. The rider expressed a desire to make a decision by the end of October, hinting at the drawn-out process of securing a contract for the season 2023.
Pozzovivo’s Aspirations and Potential New Team
As Pozzovivo reaches a significant milestone in age, he engages in discussions about his professional future with Corratec-Selle Italia, a ProTeam. Despite their status, Corratec-Selle Italia participated in the previous edition of the Giro d’Italia, a race Pozzovivo is eager to compete in once more. Having entered Italy’s grand tour seventeen times, he aims for an eighteenth, which would tie him with the record held by Wladimiro Panizza.
Corratec-Selle Italia, potentially Pozzovivo’s new squad, has been active in the transfer market. The team has successfully roped in sprinters such as Niccolò Bonifazio, Kristian Sbaragli, Jakub Mareczko, all-rounder Mark Stewart, and climber Alessandro Monaco. Currently, the roster for the 2024 season includes fifteen riders.
