Matteo Paiola is the new sporting director of Padovani Polo Cherry Bank. The Italian Continental team announced on Saturday 27 December the choice to promote the Thiene class of ’99 to the new role. In his career, Paiola he wore the team’s shirt in the junior category and among the Under 23s. Already in 2025 he rose to the flagship as assistant sports director: next year he will be a sports director for the first time, together with Franco Lampugnani and ex-professionals Dimitri Konychev e Biagio Conte. The Italian team, which in recent days confirmed its roster for 2026, is thus complete also in terms of personnel.
The same Matteo Paiola shared his excitement for the new role: “It all started when I was running among the juniors, wearing the Padovani shirt. I spent an unforgettable season with Emanuele Biondi as DS and with my teammates with whom we experienced a lot of adventures and emotions. In those days I understood that cycling is my great passion: after I hung up my bike I studied, studied in depth and got involved by climbing into the flagship. The company allowed me to grow and learn a lot until this important role for 2026“.
Graduating in Motor Sciences, Matteo Paiola he is therefore ready for this new work adventure: “The company has invested a lot of energy to best prepare for 2026. Our staff is working in great harmony with the kids and the atmosphere is already full of trust and enthusiasm. Last year with Marco Palomba in Rovescala I celebrated my first success in the flagship. Emotions are as strong in the flagship as they are on a bicycle. What I like most about the role of DS is being able to stay alongside the kids, work with them, share the difficulties and joys. I am really happy to be able to do this having professionals like Franco Lampugnani, Dimitri Konychev and Biagio Conte at my side as well as a young and close-knit staff.“.
Follow up
