Seeing Matteo Moschetti's name twice among the top four finishers in two days at the AlUla Tour is certainly a piece of news that must be welcomed with great positivity. The Milanese sprinter had not contested a sprint since June, a very long period during which the 1996-born athlete had to work hard to recover and overcome the consequences of the serious accident that occurred in July with a truck before returning to cycling.

The recent results can only be encouraging for him and for Q36.5, the team where Matteo has also welcomed Tom Pidcock, a notable signing from the last transfer window who immediately brought a new mentality and, with it, new victories.

We discussed his impressions of the British rider, his return to sprinting, and the measures he would take to try to address a problem that in Italy (and beyond) is becoming increasingly dramatic during our face-to-face conversation in Saudi Arabia.

So, first of all, how are you, how was the winter, and considering the accident you had last year, are you still experiencing any effects?

"The winter went well, although it wasn't easy. I took two weeks of rest in November and when I started again, I felt much better and understood that I had put the accident and everything that happened behind me. It was a good lead-up to the season, these first days have gone quite well, and that's quite positive for the rest of the year."

What does your schedule after this AlUla Tour look like?

"I'll definitely do the Clasica de Almeria. The rest is still being studied because we're waiting for some invitations, especially for some races in March, so for now we're focusing on the present. Today won't be simple, most likely there will be another sprint although everyone is talking about the wind uncertainty...".

Even though invitations are still pending, is there a particular moment in the season when you'll try to be in top form?

"I worked hard to be ready at the start of the season, and thus these days. Unfortunately, the victory I hoped for didn't come, but it wasn't easy. Thinking about it, it had been since June that I hadn't participated in a group sprint, and here at the AlUla Tour, if we talk about sprints, the competition is quite high, the finishes are not simple, and there's a lot of tension (the day before yesterday was quite dangerous), so just being there and breathing the podium air is a positive thing. We'll try to improve today."

I can't help but ask you about the atmosphere in the team after Tom's arrival: have you, and you in particular, perceived any changes in media attention or pressure?

"Yes and no. Within the team, we're experiencing it quite normally, calmly (and I, having been with Trek-Segafredo, am anyway used to the environment in high-level teams). On the other hand, his presence clearly exposes the team quite massively, but we can all benefit from this, for example, with some invitations to certain races. In any case, being here and, thanks to him, competing for the overall is already a big step forward for everyone."

What kind of person is he, how did he seem to you?

"Certainly very professional, very demanding even towards all the staff, and I believe this is generally a very positive thing. The team is working hard to reach an excellent level, and I think his arrival can only elevate everyone's level and motivate each person to do better."

You still bear the marks of what happened to you last July. In Italy, there's this recurring problem of accidents between cyclists and motorists or truck drivers. Two days ago, another person died in Vicenza, a few days ago Sara Piffer. In your opinion, what should be done to truly address the issue and seriously try to resolve this terrible situation?

"I struggle to talk about it because it was truly a terrible experience for me. Fortunately, in my misfortune, I was really lucky. Unfortunately, the recent cases, that of Sara but also those of many other kids who become road victims every day, are proof of how complicated this problem is, a drama that cannot be easily resolved, certainly not by adding a few more bike lanes. In my view, what's needed is a bit more respect from both sides and perhaps a bit more road safety education: that might be the key. Unfortunately, it's truly an emergency, and I really send a thought to all the people who have been victims of terrible accidents and unfortunately paid the consequences with their lives. Everyone should commit to improving this terrible situation."