Who are you, and what do you do? Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Alessandro Vanotti, and I am a former professional cyclist from Bergamo. Currently, I work as a Consultant for Sports & Two-Wheel Mobility. I am an Internationally Certified Coach and Sporting Director, as well as the founder and vice president of ASD Vanotti Cycle Team. I organize cycling sports events, team-building activities, and incentive programs designed to engage and motivate people working within a team environment through fun and sporting experiences. Over the years, I have had the honor of being an ambassador for several prominent companies in the cycling industry, including Santini Cycling. I started racing at the age of six, inspired by my father, Luigi. I won numerous races, continuing the family tradition within the youth team Vanotti Kociss, founded by my uncle Raimondo Vanotti. Cycling is a passion that unites the entire Vanotti family, dating back generations, even to my great-grandfather. Thanks to consistent results and victories in the Under-23 category, I turned professional in August 2003. I competed for 14 seasons as a professional cyclist, participating in 9 Giro d'Italia, 5 Tour de France, and 5 Vuelta a España, along with Monument Classics and international stage races. As a domestique and road captain, I had the privilege and fortune of contributing to 5 Grand Tour victories: 3 Giro d'Italia, 1 Tour de France, and 1 Vuelta a España.

What is your favourite place to train, and what makes it special for you?

My favorite place to train is the roads of my home province, Bergamo. There are many stunning routes, such as the Colli di Bergamo and Monte Avaro in the upper Brembana Valley, to name a few. However, the most significant for me is the climb and village of Roncola. This place has always been, and still is, my open-air life training ground. Since I was a child, I started training by running uphill on the mule tracks leading to the top of the village and later cycling the same roads on my racing bike. Roncola became my go-to climb to test my form ahead of major races. In 2003, I had the pleasure of winning a race here, among my people and my fan club.

What is your favourite Santini item, and why?

My favorite garment is the ADAPT MULTI JACKET. Its fit molds perfectly to my body, and while cycling, it gives me an amazing feeling—it simply makes me feel good. The standout feature, for me, is its ability to maintain perfect thermal and breathable balance, which is especially crucial during autumn and winter when humidity and temperature fluctuations are more intense than ever. As someone who doesn’t enjoy humidity or sudden changes in temperature, this jacket helps me stay comfortable and motivated to pedal for hours.

What Santini piece or accessory do you consider essential for winter?

My must-have winter accessory is the FIORD Overshoes. I enjoy cycling in winter, and even on the coldest days, I still strive to perform at my best. However, I’ve always struggled with cold feet, which has a significant impact on my pedaling efficiency. These overshoes have been a game-changer for me. They fit snugly, even for my size 45 feet, and their height provides excellent coverage. The side zip is an essential detail for both fit and durability, making them a reliable and effective choice for winter rides.

What Santini piece or accessory do you consider essential for summer?

In summer, I often prefer riding on longer climbs or at higher altitudes, followed by long, winding descents. That’s why I always carry the Nebula Windproof Vest with me. This lightweight, versatile, and packable accessory is indispensable. My advice? Put it on just before starting a descent to prevent sweat from cooling down, even in summer. It’s an extraordinary piece of gear that keeps me comfortable and focused during every ride.