Madrid, February 29, 2024— Movistar Team rider Davide Formolo is navigating a foot injury, but remains optimistic about his return to competitive cycling, hoping to contribute as a key support rider for the team. The Italian cyclist shared details about his recovery, career highlights, and future ambitions during a recent appearance on the Bike Today show.
Injury Update and Road to Recovery
Formolo is currently recovering from a cut tendon in his big toe, an injury that has sidelined him for the past month. “Unfortunately I cut the tendon in my big toe, so I’ve been struggling to recover for a month and we’ll see what happens along the way,” Formolo explained. Despite the precarious nature of his condition, he reports positive progress in his rehabilitation. “Now the rehabilitation is going quite well, I’m getting back on the bike, so come on, the light seems at the end of the tunnel.” He initially aimed to start racing in Spain, but his schedule remains contingent on his physical recovery.
Reflecting on Career Milestones
Looking back on his career, Formolo fondly remembers winning the Italian championship. “Yes, come on, the memories are beautiful and it was really nice for me. This path has allowed me to get here. It’s been a really good journey and one that I’m really proud of and what can I say? Maybe I could have done a little more, but I’m sure that I gave my best at every moment.” He also acknowledged a tinge of regret regarding his performances at Strade Bianche and Liège, but remains determined to build on those experiences. “They were truly beautiful moments, it was truly incredible for me to be able to reach those levels and now let’s try to live this career legacy that remains with us with the right determination, always setting ourselves new goals.”
Passion for Cycling and Respect for Opponents
Formolo expressed his enduring love for the sport. “It’s truly a beautiful sport; so, what can I say, it’s my passion, I’ve always done this. I’m certainly proud of it and we’ll see how much more I have left to race because it’s truly a thrill every time.” He also paid tribute to Simon Yates, who recently announced his retirement. “We are talking about a crystal-clear talent, he was certainly truly one of the toughest opponents, so it was truly an honor for me to race against him. We truly shared several kilometers together along roads all over the world.”
The Evolving Demands of Professional Cycling
Formolo noted the increasing stress and intensity within professional cycling, leading some riders to make difficult decisions. “Surely the world has truly changed with the pace at which we go in a group nowadays. It’s a type of cycling that is still really fast and with which you always have to keep up with the times. In the end, always going to the limit, you always have to take care of every detail: nutrition and training are certainly crucial.” He emphasized the growing psychological pressure on athletes, particularly when sidelined by injury. “Yes, that weighs a lot, indeed. And due to an injury, missing out on all of your winter training is really something that will have to be seen along the way, because it’s really tough. You know, it really hurts to see all your opponents training and starting to put in the kilometers in the farm while you are perhaps lying in bed.”
Looking Ahead: A Team Player
Despite his injury, Formolo remains optimistic and eager to return to racing. “I’m quite convinced that as soon as I can get back on the bike seriously, this smile will come back to me too.” Upon his return, he intends to focus on supporting his Movistar teammates. “No, I definitely want to be a good wingman. No, in the end these young people are really going strong. I want to be a wingman who is solid and can be counted on.”
