Hello Giulia! First, can you introduce yourself: where do you come from? Where do you live? And what do you do for living?

G.M.: Hi! My name is Giulia, I’m 29 years old, I’m Italian and I live in Forlimpopoli, which is a little city near the hills of Emilia Romagna. I’m currently working as a saleswoman in my family's sporting goods store and finishing my studies in sport science.

Tell us more about your sport background? Did you practice other sports than cycling?

G.M.: Since my childhood I always loved sports, especially running and dancing. I practiced both until I was a teenager, and then I temporarily stopped competition. I started again during my college years with triathlon competitions, which brought back my passion for running! Unfortunately, a series of injuries forced me to give up running in favor of cycling, which has become my true passion.

So, you discovered cycling through triathlon? What did you like about it?

G.M.: Yes, I started cycling during my triathlon years. But cycling was already very important in my family: my father was a mountain biker and road cyclist for many years. He also had a bicycle sales business, and was the president of an amateur team. For me now, cycling is all about freedom. Every time I get on the bike, I feel free and, above all, I really feel like myself.

For me now, cycling is all about freedom. Every time I get on the bike, I feel free and, above all, I really feel like myself.

And how would you define your cycling style?

G.M.: I’m definitely a climber. I love to climb for hours and hours: the longer is the climb, the happier I am. And I love races with lots of elevation gain! My running background certainly helped me a lot to start with a good endurance basis.

What is the hardest climb you ever done? And what is be the one you dream to do?

G.M.: The hardest climb I have ever done is the Passo dello Stelvio, from Prato (25km @7,4%). It’s a very long climb that reach an altitude of over 2,700 meters. So, there is less oxygen and it gets harder to breathe! If you are not used to the altitude, I think dizziness is inevitable. And unfortunately, that’s what happened to me …
The climb I would love to do is the Alpe d’Huez (14km @8%). It’s such an iconic climb! And the climbing record is still held by my cycling idol: Marco Pantani!

Talking about idol and apart from Pantani, which Tour de France pro-riders do you like? And what inspires you about them?

G.M.: I follow women's cycling as much as men's cycling. My idol is Niamh FISHER BLACK, the Lidl-Trek climber. Every time she attacks, she seems to write a poem with her pedals. Light, but deadly.

Which advice can you give to a beginner that is starting cycling?

G.M.: The better advice I can give is: don't overthink and just get started. Beyond competitiveness, cycling gives you thrills that no other sport can offer.

The better advice I can give is:

don't overthink and just get started.

Let’s talk about training: what is your bike and how many kilometers do ride per year?

G.M.: My bike is a Specialized SL8, which is my own ‘personal’ bike. But I also have an Olmo, that is given to me by my team sponsor. Both are great frames.
On overall, I think that I’m riding between 23.000km and 25.000km per year.

Do you use any indoor cyling app (Zwift, Roovy, etc.)? In your opinion, what are the main advantages and inconvenients?

G.M.: I'm going against the grain: I don't own a home trainer! If it rains modestly, I still go out on my bike. Nevertheless, I think owning one can be very convenient for those who can’t train outside during the winter because of work, for example. I have promised myself to buy one.

What importance do you give to nutrition in your training? Are you following a specific diet program?

G.M.: I’m currently working with a sport dietitian on my nutrition, both on and off the bike, and I listen to him meticulously. I have a very specific diet: I can’t eat gluten and I am vegetarian.

In 2024, you rode successfully L’Étape Parma by Tour de France. How was the race?

G.M.: It was a beautiful race, and well organized: closed-roads, well-organized refreshments, welcome and cheers from the locals, … I got excited! It was my first L’Étape Series event. I first learned about it last year through my president

Why would you recommend L’Étape Series’ events?

G.M.: This is a great series of races, both for the courses and for the expertise of the organization. You really feel like a pro

And now, L’Étape du Tour is in few months … what’s your ambition for this year edition between Albertville and La Plagne?

G.M.: It will be a very competitive race. My only goal is to reach the finish line knowing that I gave the best of myself, regardless of the result. That's my goal in every race I do!