Conca, after the historic Italian title, comes the World Tour: "Yes, I deserved it."

It's almost time to see the Italian flag back in the peloton. Very soon. It will happen the day after tomorrow, at the Franco-Belgian Circuit, 207 km from Tournai to Mont-de-l'Enclus: it will be Filippo Conca's first race with Jayco-AlUla, an agreement that became official today. "And so you could say my fairy tale had a happy ending," says the 26-year-old from Lecco—an economics graduate—who surprisingly won the Italian championship in Gorizia on June 29th. After two years on the World Tour with Lotto, and two more with Q36.5 (Professional), he had become unemployed and had competed in the Italian championship with the Swatt Club, a team chaired by Carlo Beretta that was born from a blog—without sponsorship writing on the jersey—registered as a club and recognized by the UCI, authorized to compete in level 2 international races.

Conca, is it correct to say that this way he's regaining his rightful place?

"Yes, come on. In the end, everything went well. And, without a doubt, it's a beautiful story." Debut scheduled for two days. And then?

"On August 31st I'll be at the Bretagne Classic, in Plouay. There are some races in Italy in September, such as the Gp Industria e Artigianato in Larciano on the 7th, and the Giro della Toscana on the 10th. The Tour of Slovakia, from the 17th to the 21st. I'll finish the season with several races in Italy, up until the ones in Veneto in mid-October."

Jayco-AlUla is a top-tier team and has been a key player in both the Giro and the Tour, winning important stages with Plapp, Harper, and O'Connor: what convinced you most?

"I've spoken to many people inside, both on the staff and among the riders, considering the men's and women's teams. Everyone has spoken well of the environment; I haven't heard anyone say they're having a bad time. Above all, the human aspect counts, making everyone in the group feel good: a mentality that's not easy to find everywhere. And then..."

"The prospect of competing in the Giro d'Italia for the first time in 2026. It's been my dream since I was a child. Next month I'll turn 27, and I've never raced it yet..."

What does it feel like to ride in the Italian flag?

"It almost feels strange. I was without a contract, and now I'll be representing Italy at the races. I'm not a champion, I consider myself a good rider. And for people like me, that's no small thing; I'll do everything I can to honor the flag as much as possible."

Regarding the fact that he was unemployed: did he reflect on how much of it was the fault of the "system" and on his possible responsibilities?

"My journey hasn't been easy; for example, I'm referring to contracting COVID two or three times at the wrong times, even before the 2022 Giro. Cycling is both a passion and a job, and everyone has their role. Mine, in my four years as a pro, was to help others, something I enjoy doing. But in the end, you help others, and in some situations, that's recognized and you renew your contract. In others, it's not. So you don't get confirmed, and other teams evaluate you not for your potential or for making yourself available, but only for the ranking points you earn. Let's say that the system now is this: the domestique, except in two or three big teams that compete in the race, is less valued."

How do you sum up your experience at the Swatt Club?

"Excellent. Very good, despite the setbacks: just 35 days before the Italian championship, I hit a marmot in training and had to take a week off... But I had a great time."

And what role does he think he can play at Jayco? "Supporting captains who are stronger than me, but at the same time, sometimes having my own opportunities."

If you could choose a race to win in the Italian national jersey?

"A stage of the Giro d'Italia. This year, it passed right in front of my house, and I was injured. But I still wouldn't have been able to be in the group, and the thought bothered me."

Is there a moral to his story?

"I never gave up, thinking that sooner or later there would be a day when everything would go right. That day was precisely the Tricolore of Gorizia, when the planets aligned perfectly." Let's close with a curiosity: we know that he would have done anything to get a ticket to see an Oasis concert, when they performed together again this year. Did he succeed?

"Unfortunately not. I sat through a virtual queue for an hour and a half, but nothing. In 2023 I had listened to both brothers, but separately. Liam Gallagher in July, Noel in November. I hope they do a concert in Rome or Milan in 2026, and I'll definitely try again..."