Hello my name is Salvatore Puccio. This is my blog in which i will write about my life in the professional cycling league. But first of all i'll let you get to know a little more about me and my history.
[img-r]https://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd486/Andy222c/puc_zpsba0d57f0.jpeg[/img-r]As a young boy I was always imitating my elder brother Antonio who recently had begun riding in the local cycling club. So in an age of only eight years, i started riding there too.
We lived in the other end of Italy, in Sicily, along the southern coast in Menfi just east of Agrigento. Me and my brother always said that riding bike was just going out and having fun at first, but we both quickly made our way through the ranks.
Being 13 years old, me and my family made a big step in 2002, moving about 700 km north to Assisi, in the central region of Italy, Umbria. I started in the local cycling club and achieved a lot of success in the years as rookie, actually so much that a talent scout noticed me riding a race in Umbria, finding my development very interesting.
In 2004 i therefore joined the UC Petrignano talent team.
I raced at the Petrignano team for 3 years in the age of 15-18 years old.
In those 3 years as youngster and Junior, i achieved nothing more than 20 victories.
Crossing the under 23 boundary, i had to move on finding a new team who were able to compeed against the very best in the italian U23 amateur league. At the Tuscan U23 Monsumannese team, who later were renamed Bedogni, i found myself well settled in one of the greatest teams, to develop my strengths and forces.
I rode for the team in three years and had several markers throughout the seasons, where i amongst others won the Coppa del Grano in 2009.
[img-l]https://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd486/Andy222c/ita-3.png[/img-l]
But my best year was yet to come in 2011. A new team was created in Tuscany, named Team Hoppla, containing several of Italy's best under 23 riders at that moment, including me.
I had 5 great victories throughout the season and was well placed in the amateur rankings. I racked up wins in the Toscana Coppa delle Nazioni and at Firenze-Viareggio, not to mention claiming top-five places at the prestigious Baby Giro.
But of paramount importance was my win at the U23 Tour of Flanders, where i took the greatest victory of all my career, crossing the finish line in Oudenaarde in lonely majesty.
Greatest amateur achievements
1st U23 Tour of Flanders 2011
1st Firenze - Viareggio 2011
4th Toscana Coppa delle Nazioni 2011
1st Coppa del Grano 2009
5th GP Capodarco 2011
The U23 Tour of Flanders win was also the main reason that several professional teams contacted me throughout the 2011 season.
Among these teams contacting me were the British Team Sky, which i found the best place to develop myself and to start a professional cycling career.
In June 2011 i therefore signed a contract with the team, looking to gain a lot of experience in the professional ranks.
My goal of development
It's difficult for me to say in which way i will develop throughout the years. I still haven't got the overview of my abilities, since it's going to be quite a change going from ameteur ranks and directly to the world tour. This will be one of my main goals for this first season in the highest ranks - To get to know myself alot better.
But even though, i still have some knowledge about my capabilities now, and therefore a slighty vision about my future abilities.
After my victory in the Tour of Flanders last year, many experts has predicted a great future for me as a cobblestone specialist, but in that prediction i disagree a bit.
I haven't always felt great at cobblestones, and i have never really wanted to specialize myself in that way. The day i won the race, everything just formed a synthesis. I'm a huge fan and loves the northern classics, but i tend to be more willing to see them on tv, rather than riding them myself. Though after saying that, i have to say that riding the Tour of Flanders definitely will be one of my future goals. Not because of the cobblestones, but because of the extremely steep hills.
Apart from my force on the small and steep hills, i'm actually quite an allrounder. I can follow through with some of the medium climbers on the biggest mountains and is therefore able to help my team-mates who have obejctives in the mountains, at least at the start of the climbs.
Furthermore i'm also a quite good descender, an ability i have taught myself throughout the many mountain training session around my address in Umbria. This have gained me a lot of time in the ameteur ranks.
At last my ability to sprint. In my younger years, i was allways focussing on the sprints, and saw myself as a sprinter. I had a great acceleration and a fair top speed. But as i began to grow i slowly lost some of my speed in the sprints, as i began to focus more on climbing.
But even though my sprinting days are allready partly over, i'm still pretty fast. Especially in small group sprints i have done very well and will hopefully allways benefit from this speed. Also said that my undisputed favorite rider is Óscar Freire, developing in his way would be amazing for me.
Here's my racing schedule of the 2012 season.
This season as the first for me in the highest ranks, i'll have 5 stage races and 19 classics on my program, all in all 47 race days, bringing me to not less than 11 world tour races throughout the 2012 season.
Together with my personal trainer and director sportif, Marcus Ljungqvist, i have made this schedule, achieving allmost all of my wishes for this season.
We've also talked about my own possibilities of development on a long-term view, and agreed on developing my uphill abilities for this season, focussing a lot on my acceleration and endurance.
Therefore i was very glad to see that i'm getting to ride all three ardennes-classics in April month, which will be very exciting, allthough i'm going there as helper for the team.
Apart from the ardennes, the team has trusted in me to ride the Milano Sanremo and Ronde Van Vlaanderen, a huge gesture from the team, since these classics are some of the biggest races in the world, and a dream coming true for me.
This is my training program, which my racing schedule have been based on.
I've got 2 peaks which hopefully will make me able to perform the best i'm able to do, in the races i'll participate in.
1. Peak
In late February i'll start riding two small classics, building up my shape towards the early March races. Here i'll start in Italy with the Tirreno - Adriatico and Milano Sanremo, bringing me to the Tour of Catalunya in great condition.
In the month of April i'll start with the Ronde Van Vlaanderen and in the late part of the month, all three ardennes classics, which will be the top peak of my long spring season.
2. Peak
After a long break from racing, i'll start riding the three races of the Trittico Regione Lombardia and the Vattenfall Cyclassics in the month of August, building up my shape towards the two Canadian world tour classics. This will be the top peak of my late fall session.
After a little pause, in October i'll ride some small classics and the Tour of Beijing, to round of the 2012 season.
Outside the races i have a lot of personal goals, by getting to know myself a lot better, building up a good relationship with my team-mates and to improve my English. These are just some of my personal goals outside the races. But having these doesn't exclude me having some personal goals in term of race results.
Here's a little top 5 of goals in term of results.
Sky Pro Cycling is set to be the best team in the world at the moment. Knowing that i got my spot on their team this season gives me goosebumps, but also a lot of confidence. I want you to meet the main characters of this team, the guys that i hopefully will be giving my all for this season.
Mark Cavendish
Mark is a spectacular guy. I first met him at the team building camp at Mallorca in the off season, giving me a clear vision of who this world star was.
Biased of which snobbish fame guy he was, i was blown away of which calmness and humanity he exuded. I wasn't able to spot any sense of pressure on his shoulders, nor any ingratitude of any help he recieved.
I'll be looking forward to ride for Mark this season, where i hopefully will help him to win the Milano Sanremo which will be one of his main objectives this season together with the Tour de France. He'll also be riding the Tirreno - Adriatico, a race i'll also compeed in.
Pcm Profile
Spoiler
Bradley Wiggins
[img-r]https://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd486/Andy222c/BWiggo.jpg[/img-r]If Mark Cavendish seems very spectacular, then Wiggins is just a cut above. I've only met this guy once, but the impression he left stands clearly in my mind. The confidence he radiated was outstanding. He knew what was capable of doing and which abilities managed. He seemed like a real leader and was trim already in the off-season. I'm not the slighest in doubt of the fact that he will have a great season this year.
Wiggins will have his focus on this years Tour de France, where we'll compeed with an amazingly strong team. One of the races where i know for a certain i'll help Wiggins, is the Tour of Catalunya, were i'll be a part of a really strong lineup.
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Spoiler
Juan Antonio Flecha
This is one of the team's grand old men. Juan Antionio Flecha is a highly experienced rider which everybody in the team fully repects.
Flecha really got some valuable skills, and results suitable and worthy for his experience. The Spaniard really enjoys teaching the younger generation of the team, and as part of that generation, i've already got a few priceless tips from this Spanish legend. The company of this man always enjoys you, and his sense of humour is outstanding.
Flecha will yet another time be our leader in the northern classics, where he will try to make the surprise in the biggest classics, such as the Paris-Roubaix. Flecha will also be riding his native's biggest race, the Vuelta, a race where the team will be aiming for the general classification win.
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Spoiler
Chris Froome
[img-l]https://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd486/Andy222c/froome.jpg[/img-l]I have still my first meeting with this guy left for another time.
There is no doubt that Froome has proven himself worthy as main character at Team Sky. After the 2011 Vuelta 2nd place, beating team mate and captain Wiggins, the respect and reputation of Chris Froome has highly increased.
But even though of this eye-catching result, Froome will still remain as luxury helper when focussing on the Tour de France. A race where he'll compeed as leader is going to be the Vuelta, where he is set to be the absolute leader.
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Spoiler
Edvald Boasson Hagen
[img-r]https://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd486/Andy222c/EdvaldBoasson.jpg[/img-r]The greatest talent on our team is definitely this young Norwegian.
Edvald Boasson Hagen's talent is undoubtable, which is both seen in the way he rides, but certainly also in his greatest results.
Even though Edvald could enjoy the role as captain for any other team, he has chosen to stay at Sky, even though of the addition of world champion Mark Cavendish. A real loyal act by a great and respected rider.
Edvald will be riding a schedule quite similar to Cavendish, apart from the last part of the season, where he'll be focussing intensely on the World Championship.
Davide isn't quite one of the main characters on the team, but for me he is.
He was one of the main reasons i chose Sky to be my first professional team, and therefore he deserves to be presented.
In Appollonio i have a very close friend. I spoke to him before I signed and he answered all the questions I had about the team and I trust him when he says I will be very happy here.
Davide and i won't be racing that many races together this season, so we'll just stay together in the training. He will have his main focus on the Giro d'Italia, so if we get to ride together, it will probably be in the last part of the season.
Pcm Profile
Spoiler
This was the main characters of the team, but there's still a lot of great guys i haven't presented for you, but another time for that.
I think we got a great team to support all of our stars in the objectives of the season, and a great depth in the team with a very high level.
Here's the information of the contract i signed September 2011 with Team Sky. It reveals the main features of my current contract situation.
Main specifications
Date signed:
September 1st
Duration of contract: 1 Season
Effective from:
2012 January 1st
Effective to:
2012 December 31th
Monthly wage:
2.000 €/m.
General team role:
Young rider
Race days minimum:
45
World Tour races minimum:
5
[img-l]https://i1222.photobucket.com/albums/dd486/Andy222c/Lombardi-1.jpeg[/img-l]Italian Giovanni Lombardi is my current personal manager, helping me taking care of my contract situation and other practical things. I met Giovanni in my time as U23 rider for the Italian national team, where he was already manager for some of the other guys on the team. After my win in the U23 Tour of Flanders, he offered himself as being my personal manager, and i agreed.
Lombardi is also former professional rider. He has been an important helper for top sprinters like Erik Zabel and Mario Cipollini, and in his last two seasons he went on to be an essential support for Italian Ivan Basso.
Apart from being helper, Giovanni also won a lot of races by himself. Amongst these victories there are several stage wins in both the Giro d'Italia, Vuelta a España, Tour de Suisse and Tirreno-Adriatico.
I had offers from both Team Sky, Team Europcar and Lampre. Even though some of the offers looked absolutely fine, me and Giovanni have decided that our norms, values and differences, could be too much of a battle to unite. Both upcoming team rosters, contract lengths, monthly wages and so forth, have been discussed and reflectively evaluated, and three teams seemed to stand out better. This selection results that i will not resign with Sky.
Vacansoleil - DCM
Contract opportunities:
Vacansoleil has followed me intensely since March, and through the year, Giovanni has kept the contact. With a solid 10th in the team rankings, Vacansoleil will yet again be a part of the World Tour in 2013. Already rumoured is it that both Vansummeren and Hoste will join their roster for 2013, and with some decent climbers in the squad, the team seems to be focussing on the stage races and the cobbled classics for next year.
Contract Offer - Main Specifications
Duration of contract:
3 Seasons
Monthly wage:
5.000 €/m.
General team role:
Luxury team mate
Vacansoleil has a couple of really nice Italians in their roster, and their agressive way of riding fits me perfectly. My concerns about the team is that they are developing towards the cobbled classics. Whereas the team has focussed on the hilly classics the last couple of years. With a contract of three years, this could tend to be a problem on a long term.
Orica - GreenEdge
Contract opportunities:
Orica - GreenEdge contacted Giovanni for only a month or two ago, even though they had been watching out for me in quite a long time. As this year, the team will stay in the World Tour for the next year, and as things are looking, the team has already a couple of Italians on contract. Especially their new signing of Ivan Basso has been a real surprise. The team is developing into quite an allround team, with both sprinters, stage racers and hilly riders, where i would fit in well.
Contract Offer - Main Specifications
Duration of contract:
2 Seasons
Monthly wage:
5.500 €/m.
General team role:
Luxury team mate
Orica - GreenEdge has some real talent, and has been one of the most winning teams this year. With their new "Italian project", it should be exciting to take part of such development, and to ride together with some of the best Italian riders. My concerns with Orica - GreenEdge, is their high average. Likewise at Team Sky, the amount of top riders is incredible, and especially when talking about riders like me. There's a probability that i wouldn't have many personal chances.
Farnese - Vini
Contract opportunities:
Farnese - Vini has kept their interrest for a very long time, and i think that their offer looks quite attractive. In the CQ team rankings, they are currently placed as the 3rd best Continental team. But whether they are going to be World Tour team in 2013, seems quite doubtful. Rumours have it that they've signed some fine Italian classics riders, and that Guardini may continue on the team, even though of his expiring contract. Also Pozzato is still under contract.
Contract Offer - Main Specifications
Duration of contract:
2 Seasons
Monthly wage:
6.000 €/m.
General team role:
Free Element
At Farnese Vini, i would ride with some of the greatest Italian talents. I'd have the chance of riding all the smaller Italian classics, and with a free role, i would have a lot of chances to go for wins. My concerns about Farnese Vini aren't any structural or personal problems, but the fact that it would be a step down from the World Tour.
The final 2013 choice
Spoiler
Farnese Vini it was! The Italian Pro Continental team, has had a great season, but is just outside the reach of a World Tour spot. With especially Guardini, Gatto and Pozzato, they have ridden in, no more than 9 victories this season, which really shows what they're made of!
Yet again this year, they have been rewarded with a wild card for the Giro d'Italia and several other Italian World Tour races, where the yellow-green riders took 2 fantastic victories in the Giro d'Italia.
The reason why i've chosen Farnese Vini, is mainly do to their Italian reputation. They've produced several great talents and has a huge focus on their young riders, who only have positive things to tell about the team. My move may be a step down from the big wide stage, but my intention is to grow in a natural pace. In this season with Sky, i haven't felt too comfortable in the highest ranks, even though i know i'm still learning. from time to time, i've wondered about, if i was too fast in signing with Sky directly from the ameteur-ranks...
My main contact with the team has went through technical and sportive director Luca Scinto. He seems like a great guy, and represents the team values in a clean casual way, but still with a twist of authority. In my opinion, the best possible team leader to rely on. I'm looking very much forward to work together with him.
With my recent results, there's no doubt i have developed much over this season. I have made some magnificent results which i never dreamed of achieving. Therefore i will have the respect and permission at the team, to act as leader. I will have my chance to ride for personal triumphs in a way which is far from what i would have permission for at both Vacansoleil and Orica. I take this as a major plus!
I'm looking forward to become one of the luminous guys in 2013!
Contract - Main Specifications
Farnese - Vini
Duration of contract:
2 Seasons
Date signed:
2012 September 4th
Effective from:
2013 January 1st
Effective to:
2014 December 31th
Monthly wage:
6.000 €/m.
General team role:
Free Element
_______________________________________________
Secondary specifications and requirements:
§1: If Farnese Vini - Selle Italia is rewarded with a wild card to the World Tour GT race Giro d'Italia, Salvatore Puccio has the opportunity to require a spot in the lineup, alongside a free racing role permitting him to attend in breakaways.
§2: With every achieved third places, or better in the race categories; WT, 2.HC, 2.1, WC or NC, Salvatore Puccio is to be rewarded with a bonus, posing at a minimum of 2,5 percent of his monthly wage.
§3: Violating any doping-related paragraphs in the regulations according to UCI and WADA, Farnese Vini - Selle Italia is able to require a compensation equivalent to six months wage for Salvatore Puccio, and release him from his contract.
Thanks all of you and nice to see that my choice of rider is gladly welcomed
And thanks for the font Teddy
@Matthijs_Valverde: Well i think Sky was a great choice for Puccio. The team really knows what professionalism is and they have a fine program for young riders like him. I don't think you can say it's a bad team for his abilities, because all he needs at such time in his career is experience, not results
andy222c wrote:
Thanks all of you and nice to see that my choice of rider is gladly welcomed
And thanks for the font Teddy
@Matthijs_Valverde: Well i think Sky was a great choice for Puccio. The team really knows what professionalism is and they have a fine program for young riders like him. I don't think you can say it's a bad team for his abilities, because all he needs at such time in his career is experience, not results
Eventually, if he wants to get results, he needs to leave Sky. Cause he will never get a chance in big races. Only happens with Englishmen and Boasson Hagen. But that's my opinion.
We've come to expect this kind of great presentation from you Andy. Well done again, really well written and a great read. With all those reserves let's hope for more of the same!
Great intros - as always. One thing is though ( same with me too ) - make it last. Bellis and Rasmus Gulhammer stories didn't last overly long - I hope this one will
@alakagom: Thanks, and yeah, of course i'll try to make it last, but it's hard to predict whether the motivation will be there in the future, but for now i'm motivated for making this story - Then we'll see whether it lasts
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
