Your favourite race and climb? 

Favourite race is the Giro d’Italia. A bit patriotic, but as an Italian it’s something that make me proud. I appreciate the amazing course that this race is always featuring in every edition, showing the most beautiful places we have in Italy.

As a climb, my favourite one is the ‘Colle delle Finestre’. You start climbing inside a wood, then when the vegetation changes until disappearing and the dirty road begins, you can admire a stunning landscape. I faced it 4/5 times in my career.

Your best or most memorable result in pro cycling? 

I have several. I remember with pleasure the winning at the team time trial at the Tour de France. That kind of victory is the only moment in cycling where you really win as a team.

You remained in Sicily, while most riders move away. Why did you decide to stay?

Basically, as I wanted to stay linked to my family and friends. We are away so many days in a year, that when I’m at home, I like the idea to be close to people that have always been part of my life. You know, maybe if I moved, I could have been richer, but beyond cycling there’s real life and so far I’m happy to have decided to stay in Sicily.

I love the place where I live and also for training it’s ideal due to the perfect climate you can find in winter.

I’m riding with both models Merida is providing us. Basically, I used the Scultura, but I tried the new Reacto and this bike exceeded my expectations. It is stiff and light, delivering highly performance.