Francesco Chicchi looks at 2025 which is coming to an end with the eye of someone who has seen a lot and still has a lot to see. Last season was difficult for him and his Technipes boys #InEmiliaRomagna, in many ways. The results arrived slowly, but in fast-paced cycling it is normal to sometimes have to take measurements. Even when you have many years of experience behind you, first as a runner and then as a rider. The last days of the year are used to complete preparations for a 2026 that wants to have a different, sweeter flavor.
«The bicycles have been polished – says Chicchi from his Tuscany – and we are ready to go again. On January 6th we will go to Spain for a first retreat which will last until the 19th. A second will follow from January 28th to February 9th. I’m happy with how the boys responded, in the period between the two retreats everyone will stay in Spain. In the end I should stay there with them too, I had already bought tickets for the return, but it’s right to stay. That month of working all together will allow us to form a group and become close, an aspect that we missed in 2025.”
A house in Versilia
The news for the next comes not only from the athletes but from the structures, in fact, from January 1st Technipes will have its own house in Versilia which it will make available to young people. A choice that always responds to the need to create a more cohesive and solid group, ready to withstand the shocks of a demanding season full of challenges. The calendar will include a few more races with professionals, thanks to the arrival of new racesand the legs will have to turn well straight away.
«It is a thirteen-bed house – explains Chicchi – and will remain at our disposal until June. The kids will be able to come as they wish to train and spend time togetherthey will organize themselves in total autonomy and this will help create a solid climate. However, I will always be available, in fact the structure is only two kilometers from my home. I will be able to go there, follow them in training and be with them.”
Did the first year students miss the group in particular?
Last season I took the boys to Algeria to race at the beginning of February, breaking up the group and not letting them train together as much. In hindsight I think it was a mistake, which is why we changed our approach for this season.
Among those who worked so hard, Toselli comes to mind…
For a boy who goes from junior to under 23, having a positive first impact is important. He was one of those who remained in Europe to trainbut without the figure of the manager to coordinate everything I understand it was difficult to settle in. Toselli is a very strong boy, but equally he needs to feel like that (on the right in the opening Instagram photo, ed.). The approach to the new category is never simple.
Are the qualities at risk of remaining submerged?
The head does a lot, many juniors arrive among the under 23s who are used to winning and going strong everywhere, but the leap in category is important. Here we are on the threshold of professionalism, sometimes you run with the pros. I think Ivan (Toselli, ed.) suffered more from the initial impact, because numbers and quality cannot be discussed.
Can you help us understand better?
He is a runner used to running at the back of the group and in the under 23 race this makes the difference. If you take a climb in last position and come back you make it clear that you are strong, but when you get to the front the race is over. I saw him racing at his level at the Giro di Campania, a small glimpse but he showed he has the qualities.
Sometimes a year of adaptation is needed…
Toselli has understood that he must roll up his sleeves and work even harder. I am convinced I will see him with a new look from next January 6th. As mentioned, he is a boy who needs confirmation, both from us and externally. I am of the opinion that if he can get off to a good start we will see a completely different rider next year. We will also have an important figure in the team, a returner.
Chi?
Emanuele Ansaloni. After a season with the Bike Team Sicilia he returns to us in TechnipesI believe that his figure and his experience (he was born in 2000, ed.) in certain races it will be useful to manage group dynamics. He is someone who has the personality and charisma to take young people, like Toselli, and bring them to the top positions.
Where will you start the season?
At the San Geo Cup, this year brought forward to February 14ththen Florence-Empoli, GP Misano 100 and GP La Torre. Among the professionals we will race at the Giro di Sardegna and then at the Coppi e Bartaliand from there the under 23 spring classics will begin.
