Published on : 10/20/2026
The season came to an end on Sunday, and already there is a touch of nostalgia in the air. It finished with 18 victories, including a double for Milan Fretin at the Tour of Guangxi, which has already got us (very) excited about next year. But the real sense of nostalgia comes above all from those who are leaving the team. A week after Ion Izagirre’s retirement, it is now Roberto Damiani’s turn to call it a day. He spent nine years as one of the team’s sports directors. Having taken charge for the final time last Sunday at the Tour of Veneto, he spoke at length about his time with the team.
Roberto Damiani: “Honouring the trust Cofidis has placed in me”
A team like no other.
“Over nine years, I’ve seen a lot of changes within the team, both among the riders and the staff. Our approach to racing and working has also changed. But one thing has always remained constant: Cofidis’s unwavering support. I really felt part of the group, like an employee of the company just like everyone else. It’s a real privilege to have enjoyed the constant backing of a single sponsor for so long while remaining at the highest level. I’ve always done my best to repay that trust and live up to it.”
A fruitful final season.
“We took the time to look each other in the eye, ask ourselves some tough questions and fight to build a collective with an impeccable attitude. Naturally, after last year’s difficult season, we could only expect to do better. But the team showed determination and commitment throughout the season. We can be pleased with these 18 victories, and above all with the team spirit we displayed from start to finish.”
His approach to the job.
“I have an Italian style and Italian pride, too (laughs)! As a sports director, it’s important to know where you’re going and what you want to instil in the riders. Even if that sometimes goes against what they think, we have to stay on course and always put the team first. I’ve always done everything I could to put my experience and energy at the service of the collective.”
How cycling has changed.
“Between my first days as a sports director in 1999 and today, cycling has changed beyond recognition. One of the major developments is that we have less time for face-to-face discussions with the riders. We now use an increasing number of communication channels: messages, WhatsApp groups and videos. We also have more and more people involved, including coaches, nutritionists and osteopaths. This has enabled us to improve the support we give the riders and have a real impact on their performances. At the same time, it’s important to ensure that communication with everyone is well coordinated and runs smoothly. That essential cohesion is what ultimately allows us to perform.”
The Cofidis riders who left the biggest impression on him.
“Benjamin Thomas immediately comes to mind. I was very moved at the thought of a rider from our team winning the Olympic Games on home soil. An Italian being so moved by a Frenchman winning – that’s not supposed to happen normally! Benjamin is a wonderful character and a tremendous road captain. I also think of Elia Viviani and Simone Consonni, as well as Anthony Pérez and Stéphane Rossetto. I like riders with personality who are straightforward and honest.”
His greatest victory with Cofidis.
“It was in May 2018 at the Tour de Yorkshire. I was really keen to be there: I had travelled to England by boat from Frankfurt. And then there was that final stage, when Stéphane Rossetto spent more than 120 km out in the breakaway. We experienced a very strong sense of synergy, with him on the bike and me doing everything I could to help him hold on and stay away. He produced an incredible and unforgettable ride.”
Why an admin stage ?
The season came to an end on Sunday, but the year is not quite over for the Cofidis team. The team’s headquarters, located near Lille, is hosting the administrative training camp from Monday until Thursday. All the riders must attend to complete their administrative formalities. They also take the opportunity to catch up with the mechanics and undergo their medical examinations. In short, it is a pre-season warm-up, giving everyone a chance to get back into the swing of things before meeting up again in early December for the famous pre-season training camp in Dénia, Spain.