Savio has a plan "B" if ....
Savio: "I know nothing of the Tour and Vuelta." But I have a plan "B".
Androni Giocattoli-Serramenti-Diquigiovanni is ranked 17th in the World Ranking, that means the team has won the right to participate in the Giro d'Italia, Tour de France and Tour of Spain next year, according to the agreement of 2008 between the three Grand Tours and the UCI . However Gianni Savio is not so sure, and the Venezuelan manager feels that it will not. Pending an official announcement from the organizers and the UCI if they agree, Savio is cautious and has secured at first a similar program for his team next year. But at the same time Savio makes very clear, that he has "a card up his sleeve", if AGSD may have automatic access to the French and Spanish tours.
Savio answered
Bici questions regarding the possible participation in the Giro, Tour and Vuelta of
ANDRONI-GIOCATTOLI-SERRAMENTI-DIQUIGIOVANNI. "I do not know exactly. I was told that at the World Championships, the Congress of the UCI decided to change the rules. For the moment, it is doubtful that the top 17 of the global ranking will automatically participate in the Giro, Tour and Vuelta. "
The Venezuelan coach is calm. "We won the Italian championship for teams, thanks to an agreement between the Italian Federation and RCS, we have earned the right to be invited to the Giro. Of the others (Tour and Vuelta) I know nothing. I only know that the rules in this world worth today may change tomorrow. "
While waiting for news, we do not make any illusion. "My feeling is that the first 17 teams in the World Ranking will not participate in the three Grand Tours, and yes the ?18? ProTour teams plus four guests will." "It would be good news to take the Tour and the Vuelta, but if not, there will be no argument from me," he says.
It's all very philosophical. "In recent years, I made my way with dignity, and I am waiting to be told I can do Participate in the races, that is very important to me. I am very at ease, I don't have the problems like others, having to participate in these grand tours, in order to survive. I wait for the decision of the organizers and the UCI, and then with great respect I will take my decision, but first they have to agree, "he explains.
"I have everything well thought out for the Androni Giocattoli team next season, with a racing program about the same as this year. If the UCI and the organizers confirm, that I have the right to participate in the Tour and the Vuelta as well, I have a card up my sleeve to reinforce economic resources for the team, with a second title sponsor, and to include at least five or six cyclists on top of the 16 we have, "he said.
Above all, Savio has his own philosophy and follows a path that has allowed him to survive. "Fortunately, I have the support of sponsors for many years, my jersey looks like a newspaper, but there are 27 consecutive years of existing on it, I don't have to be afraid of losing the team if I lose one or two sponsors," he concludes.
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