Filippo Pozzato is an innovator with a sense of local pride. Since becoming an organizer, he has always tried to bring a broad vision and new ideas to cycling, with the province of Vicenza as his privileged backdrop. Veneto Classic, the revived Giro del Veneto, the gravel world championship in Vicenza-Cittadella and the European Championship in Asiago are prime examples. The first two events and Serenissima Gravel are confirmed in October 2025, with some tasty novelties. "We are working on a women's Veneto Classic" – Pozzato, founder of PP Sport Events, anticipates. "The idea is to have the girls race the same day but a few hours earlier. Naturally, we'll need to shorten the route compared to the men, with a different starting point. The finish will still be in the Bassano area. This way, spectators would enjoy a double spectacle. I'm especially thinking about the Tisa wall. My dream would be to add a junior category day, which I believe is crucial today. Compared to previous years, the final route will also touch the hills between Fara and Breganze".

In 2024, he ventured into cyclocross organizing, with a bit of bad luck...
"Unfortunately, we had to cancel the World Cup event in Sardinia due to wind. We'll try again this year, but we'll move to the mountains".

Any news about the Italian World Tour project?
"I'm not giving up, the dream is still alive, but it clashes with a lack of sponsors. The climb to World Tour must start with a Professional team, which requires at least 10 million. I was hoping for a sponsor, who however chose another sport".

Let's talk about racing: how would Filippo Pozzato fare in today's cycling?
"He would struggle more. There are five who fly, with 30 incredibly strong riders behind them. Winning is very difficult, which is why the circle of those who succeed is narrow. Today they start at 60 kilometers per hour, with crazy averages. Very fun to watch from the couch, but being there...".

The five are Pogacar, Van der Poel, Van Aert, Evenepoel and Vingegaard: who do you like most?
"Pogacar has put himself a step above everyone else, but I really like Van Aert. He has a super engine, always tries, and is fast on all terrains".

Does Pogacar's all-conquering style enhance or make races more predictable?
"In my opinion, the spectacle improves because he races with great courage and is unpredictable, and he has brought many people closer to cycling. I can't wait to see the battle between him and Vingegaard at the Tour. In the last two editions, both were coming from physical issues, this could be the year of truth".

Which Vicenza pros convince you?
"De Pretto is strong and can still improve. He's a modern rider, holds tough in hard sections and is fast. Bruttomesso is also an interesting young rider".

Dagnoni has just been confirmed at the top of the Fci, what advice would you give him?
"Medals are nice, yet Italy has never been so low in the world ranking. There's much talk about the absence of a World Tour team, but the problem is at the opposite end: broadening the base, working with children. We need policies to bring kids closer to cycling, make this sport 'sexy', make them understand that cycling is about sacrifices but is a cool sport".

By the way, is there a five-year-old Pozzato who might follow in his father's footsteps...
"I bought my son Giacomo a bike, he hasn't touched it and I didn't force him to. Now he plays soccer. I hope he lives sports as a way to have fun and feel good, whatever he chooses".

Meanwhile, you're often spotted on a bike.
"I do two rides a week. I still enjoy pedaling, even if it bothers me to find those who go faster".

Have you set any goals?
"I'd like to struggle less than I do now. I need to get in shape for the Carnival Circuit we'll do on March 4th in Sandrigo, but my real goal is another: losing ten kilos".

from Il Giornale di Vicenza