'Performance-wise, I've been at the highest level I've ever been' – 43-year-old Domenico Pozzovivo comes out of retirement, signs with Solution Tech-Nippo-Rali

Italian climber Domenico Pozzovivo has announced a surprising return to professional cycling at the age of 43, signing with the Italian second-division team Solution Tech-Nippo-Rali. Having retired after the 2024 season, during which he finished 38th at Il Lombardia with VF Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè, Pozzovivo will now make his comeback at the Tour of the Alps starting on 20 April. The signing was confirmed by the team following initial reports by La Gazzetta dello Sport, marking Pozzovivo as the oldest rider competing at the top two tiers of professional cycling this year. Pozzovivo’s return is underpinned by a careful self-assessment of his physical condition and motivation. Despite stepping away from racing, he has maintained a rigorous training regime, clocking 16 to 18 hours per week, and claims to be performing at the highest level of his career. His decision is driven partly by scientific curiosity to test himself against younger competitors, as well as a desire to continue balancing multiple pursuits, including coaching and academic work. During his retirement, he earned a Master’s degree in sports science and coached veteran race walker Alex Schwazer, demonstrating a commitment to staying active within the sporting world. The veteran rider’s career highlights include 13 professional wins across two decades, with notable achievements such as a stage victory at the 2012 Giro d’Italia and overall triumph at the Giro del Trentino, now known as the Tour of the Alps. Pozzovivo has been a consistent presence in Grand Tours, finishing in the top ten of the Giro d’Italia seven times, with his best results being fifth place in 2014 and 2018. Although he will not compete in the Giro this year due to his new team’s lack of invitation, his return to racing promises to bring experience and climbing prowess to Solution Tech-Nippo-Rali. Team manager Serge Parsani expressed enthusiasm about Pozzovivo’s signing, highlighting the rider’s clarity and strong condition during initial discussions. Pozzovivo’s comeback challenges the conventional limits of age in professional cycling, positioning him as a unique figure in the peloton. While older riders like Francisco Mancebo and Oscar Sevilla continue racing into their late 40s, Pozzovivo’s return at 43 adds a compelling narrative to the season, blending longevity with a fresh competitive spirit. His performance at the Tour of the Alps will be closely watched as a gauge of his ability to compete against a younger generation.