Filippo “Pippo” Pozzato, a former professional cyclist and current event organiser, has recently expressed grave concerns about the state of Italian cycling. In a candid interview on the “Big Match” podcast with Alex Iuliano, Pozzato stated, “Cycling, as it is now, is dead.” He attributed this decline to the Italian Cycling Federation’s (FCI) lack of long-term vision and strategic planning.
Drawing a stark contrast with Italian tennis, which has seen a resurgence thanks to a robust development programme initiated nearly two decades ago, Pozzato lamented the absence of a similar approach in cycling. He criticised the FCI for focusing on immediate results that merely provide temporary satisfaction to fans, while failing to address the deep-rooted structural issues within the sport.
Pozzato’s critique extended to the FCI’s leadership, describing it as “completely in shambles” and highlighting the lack of riders capable of winning major races or world championships. He also questioned the competence of the federation’s management, stating, “We don’t have a management class that is up to the task or has a vision of what could and should be done in the next 10 years.”
He further criticised the FCI’s governance structure, noting that riders, organisers, and sports directors lack voting rights within the Federal Council. This, he argued, indicates a Byzantine statute that disconnects decision-makers from the realities of the sport.
Proposing a solution, Pozzato suggested that Italian cycling needs to modernise and become more appealing to younger generations. He advocated for dynamic race formats with spectacular circuits that repeat crucial sections, and services tailored for fans. He even envisioned the introduction of paid areas at key points to offer continuous entertainment, even when the main group is distant.
Pozzato also emphasised the importance of learning from successful models, such as Slovenia’s multidisciplinary approach to youth development, and uniting forces at the local level. He highlighted Italy’s beautiful roads and landscapes, which are ideal for cycling tourism, but lamented that these assets are often hindered by bureaucracy and a lack of effective promotion.
Despite his frustrations, Pozzato remains optimistic about the future of Italian cycling. Before retiring from his role as an organiser, he aims to bring the World Cycling Championships to the heart of Rome, believing that such an event could revitalise the Italian cycling movement and dispel the notion that it is “dead.”
For a more in-depth understanding of Pozzato’s perspective, you can watch the full interview below: