A RIDE WITH DANILO DI LUCA

TheKiller,formerGiro,LombardiaandLiege-BastogneLiegewinner,talkstousaboutstayingmotivated

AF TER ACHIEVING YOUR GOAL

I didn’t have a problem with motivation after my success, as I just wanted to win more and more! The goal was always to push harder and achieve as much as possible in the most beautiful, fascinating and demanding sport in the world.

DURING SERIOUS INJURY

I’ve had two serious injuries, I broke my pelvis and clavicle. The rehabilitation process was difficult, and all you can think about is whether you’ll return as fast and as strong as before. I found watching races on television, when you have the passion to race, the hardest thing while injured.

DURING ENFORCED ABSENCE

My bans are well documented and not something that I’m proud of. The decision to take stimulants to enhance performance isn’t taken lightly. During my bans it wasn’t easy to train because you’re far from the races, unsure if you’ll find a team that believes in you, or if you’ll be able to reach the performance level you were at. Then something special happens, you ride every day, you train, then the day approaches when you can return and the passion to ride and win returns too.

WITH YOUR BEST DAYS BEHIND YOU

My career as a professional didn’t finish as I’d have wished. Yes, I have regrets, but I lived out my childhood dream of winning the Giro d’Italia and for that reason alone I will always be in love with the sport that has given me so many highs and lows and made me the man I am today. I had a period of two or three months after retirement where I didn’t want to go near a bike, but then the desire returns. Sportsmen and women that have been champions in their sport have the passion in their hearts for a lifetime. Never forget why you love the sport.

FINDING NEW PLEASURES

The competitive edge never leaves you, but you realise that you no longer travel at the speed of a professional cyclist. Your memories will always remain, and riding at a slightly slower pace is a little easier because I’m also a little older! Now I spend time riding and developing my bike, shoe and clothing brands. I feel I’ve got lot to give back to the sport I adore. Danilo and Velobici have produced the DL Killer range of cycle clothing for 2018, velobici.cc/dlk-collection