After exploding onto the scene in 2019 as a first-year junior, where he claimed a spectacular 20 wins, Marco announced himself as a rider to watch for the future. Upon joining the team in 2020, he has gone on to slowly progress through the ranks and gain valuable experience as he develops and grows as not only a rider but also as a person too.
Inspired to take up the sport as a youngster by his dad who was a recreational cyclist, Marco went to a local club team and soon fell in love with racing. After some initial success in local races, the confident youngster became aware of his talents and continued to train even more, dedicating himself to the sport.
“I really need the competition so that’s one of the reasons why I like cycling. I’ve always wanted to win, even when I was younger and playing football, I wasn’t the best loser. I also like the more relaxing side of the sport too; being outdoors on your own or with a few mates and just enjoying nature.”
Describing himself as “spontaneous”, “funny” and “ambitious”, it’s clear that Marco doesn’t lack any self-confidence (or at least front-facing self-confidence) but behind the façade of an ambitious youngster; there is a wiser and calculated head growing – Marco knows what he wants and how he will achieve it.
“I think it’s good to have someone that can make it more fun and relaxed, as it’s important to help the guys bond and I’m also a social person in general – which is good as it’s a team sport!
This becomes more apparent when Marco talks through how he keeps himself and those around him motivated.
“I had some good examples and some bad examples from last year on how to motivate people. I think as a person I’ve learned a lot in the team so far: for example, my ability to stay calm and then really focus on what’s important and not on the things I can’t really change. I think these are the reasons I made big steps last season.”
Reflecting on his 2022 campaign, Marco says that like for a lot of guys it had its ups and downs, such as fighting for a good GC position at the Tour of Norway before he then caught COVID-19. As for the second part of the season, he was able to recover, complete his first altitude camp with the team and make his Grand Tour debut at the Vuelta a España.
“The highlight of the season was doing the Vuelta with the guys. Overall, I think I made some big steps in how to race and how to do so in a smart way.”
If he’s not out training or riding then you can find the sociable Marco catching up with friends, hitting the ski slopes in the off-season, when he can also be found running his name-sake junior team. Weirdly enough, Marco admits an interesting fact about him is that he always sits down when he pees.
