Damiano Cunego has just ended his 15th season in the professional ranks. While there were no victories, the experienced captain of the Nippo – Vini Fantini team had a pretty good year, especially in the first part, culminating at the Giro d’Italia where he was active but failed to take a win. 

The performance is a stimulus and reassurance for Cunego who saw his season being affected by an injury earlier in the season."

“I had a good start to the season but then the fracture of a hand at the Strade Bianche affected me,” he L’Arena.” I did a good Giro with thirteen days in the mountains jersey, giving visibility to the team, while the second part of the season was strange as the races were all close together." 

For the Giro winner in 2004, it is useless to look back and think about what could have been done.

"I barely rode in July and August. I do not feel regret or guilt. In 2015, I did better after the Giro but now I look forward, thinking that I can do better in 2017.”

Cunego has clear plans.

"In December we will be at the first training camp in Sicily or near Pescara, while the debut will be the first Italian races in February. Some will begin earlier, in Argentina or Australia which I regard as too much but that is how the world is. There is a multitude of races and you have to be good at managing yourself and make the best choices. I will definitely do the Coppi and Bartali and the Giro del Trentino. We expect to get invitations to some races in Belgium .”

Cunego has renewed his contract for two more years and will then join the technical staff.

"You have to say when it is enough because to continue would be counterproductive, but now I feel I can still be useful in cycling for the next two years, to help the young people grow in a team which has been strengthened. "

Cunego refuses to talk much about the Giro.

“It is useless to talk about it until there is an invitation to participate from RCS.” However, the hope is evident." It is obvious that I hope to be in the 100th edition.”