Pozzovivo's prowess first came to my attention in the Giro Del Trentino. During the second stage, from Mori to Sant'Orsola Terme, Pozzovivo missed the breakaway that contained most of the major contenders. He did not panic, but tied to chased down the breakaway group with no team assistance over the Palu del Fresina, which is over 17 kms long with an average gradient of over 7%. While he did not reach them, he limited his losses so he was still a threat to the overall General Classification title. But even with that extraordinary effort, he then backed up this effort to win stage 3 of the Giro del Trentino, which included the climb up Punta Veleno, a 12km climb with an average gradient of 15%. As he danced on the pedals, he blew away his GC competitors like Scarponi, Cunego and Basso. It was enough for Pozzovivo to take the overall lead with one stage to go. Another strong performance on the fourth stage gave him the overall title. It was then an easy decision for the team managers of Colnago CSF-Inox to make him team captain for the 2012 Giro d'Italia.
So what do we know about Dom Pozzovivo? He is not your typical cyclists. He holds a degree in Economics. Has a passion for history and politics. Given the state of Italian politics, Pozzovivo would not be short of discussion material.
He is one of the shortest riders in the peloton at 165cm and only 53kgs. He is not a sprinter, but a scalatore - Italian for climber. He has the perfect climber's physique, but not so perfect for the podium girls.
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| Photo: Bettini |
Since turning professional in 2005, Pozzovivo has only ridden for three related teams, Ceramica Panaria-Navigare, CSF Group-Navigare and Colnago-CSF Inox team. He has not been a prolific race or stage winner. Until 2012, Pozzovivo had only had 6 victories, including the overall GC winner of the 2010 Brixia Tour, Lombardy.
That had all changed over the last month. He won the 2012 Giro del Trentino, Stage 3 and the mountains classification. But his biggest victory of his career come on Stage 8 of the Giro d"Italia from Sumona to Lago Laceno, the first of the mountain top finishes. He attacked on the Colle Molella, 6.8kms from the finish. He not only surprised Liquigas again, which should have learned from the Giro Del Trentino not to let him go during an attack, but also the rest of the peloton. He showed the world that he was only only a classy climber, but a true contender for the Giro d'Italia title.
I do not expect this to be his last stage victory at the 2012 Giro d'Italia. Watch out for him once the Giro reaches the provinces of Trentino and Veneto.
After seeing Pozzovivo's performances over the last month, it is easy to jump to conclusions and compare him with one of the most famous Italian climbers, Marco 'Il Pirata' Pantani. That may be a bridge to far, but he has a climbing ability that is exciting and fresh. He may be the part of the next wave of Italian climbers that will dominate the Italian Alps. Winning a grand tour will always be difficult given his time-trial skills are not as refined at Nibali or Cadel Evans. But he will make valuable time in the mountains and win stages and secure time bonuses.
Pozzovivo's victories have all come in Italy. He will need to win outside Italy and more importantly at the Tour de France if we are going to compare him with 'il Pirata'. That will mean Pozzovivo will need to leave his beloved Colnago CSF-Inox for a World Tour Team to gain entry to these events. Given the lack of pure climbers in Orica-GreenEDGE, might want to consider added him to their roster as he would be a very useful addition to the team. Liquigas-Cannondale might want to have a look at him if Nibali chooses to shift to Astana or BMC. I am sure that he will not be short of offers if his form at the Giro continues.
Whatever team Pozzovivo rides for in 2013, I am sure he will excite the fans as he shows us his now trademark - Dancing on the Pedals' climbing style.
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