Alberto Dainese starts new chapter at Soudal Quick-Step: 'It’s like joining Real Madrid'

“It all started with a three-day meeting at Soudal’s headquarters in Turnhout,” Dainese says in an interview with bici.pro. “We met the entire staff: coaches, nutritionists, doctors, mechanics, everyone. The first day was all about measurements and bike fitting, then we did physical tests and strength assessments. Everything was very professional, more precise than I expected.”

The visit also included a tour of Soudal’s research and development centre. “It was nice to see how big the company is, to meet the people behind it. You get to touch the reality of the brand, not just the logo on your jersey.”

The new environment made an immediate impression. “The mentality here is what makes the difference. You can feel the hunger to win everywhere. For a sprinter like me, it’s like joining Real Madrid. You expect to win every race. They race to win, and that energy spreads through the whole team and staff.”

Dainese has already met his new teammates, including Paul Magnier and Tim Merlier. “It’s exciting to be around riders of that calibre. They’re the top sprinters in the world right now. If I share a calendar with them, I’ll be ready to help. And if I have my own programme, I’ll aim to perform. In this team, it’s all about winning.”

After two seasons marked by setbacks and a heavy crash in Calpe, Dainese is eager to restart. “Since that fall I’ve never really returned to my best level, but I’m already back on the bike and the feeling is good. I want to prove myself again.”

His new coach, a Belgian, will oversee all four Italian riders on the team. “He already had access to my training data before we met. We talked about a few things to improve, especially considering the injuries from last year. I’ll probably train more this winter, but that’s fine. I’m motivated.”

The bond with Italian sports director Davide Bramati also gives confidence. “He’s been in this team for thirty years. He follows us closely, gives energy, direction, the right advice. You feel he really cares.”

The first race of his new adventure is already on the horizon. “I’ll start in Australia, at the Tour Down Under. They asked how I’d feel about going there and I said: I was about to ask you the same thing. I’m happy to start right away.”