THE FINAL PIECE.  Not even Cimolai himself was considering extending his professional career beyond the 14 years that – in five different squads- he had completed since 2010. His signing for the Movistar Team, already in December, allowed an extra season to a man who considered himself ready to turn to the next chapter after physical and motivational issues over the whole previous year. Eusebio Unzué’s squad will thus enjoy his experience and knowledge, looking to improve on a speciality (lead-out) which was traditionally not so well covered within its ranks.

SEEK FOR VICTORIES – AND HELP ACHIEVING THEM. The likes of Démare, Modolo, Rick Zabel and Consonni have enjoyed his help and services in recent years, Cimolai often focused on seeking for gaps, stretching out the group or guiding the main sprinting references in its teams with intelligence and skill. That was, of course, when he didn’t seek for his own chances, even at Grand Tours: 14 appearances, including five Tours, five Giros and four Vueltas. He came really close twice to a GT win at the 2021 ‘Corsa Rosa’, with Van der Hoorn -in the break- and Ewan -a stronger final push- as rivals.

QUITE SOME WINS IN SPAIN. Actually more than in Italy! Five against one for Cimo’s ‘albo d’oro’, one that started in Laigueglis back in 2015. He got himself two stage wins + the Vuelta a Castilla y León GC in 2019, plus back-to-back victories in Catalunya (2016-17). His palmarès also includes success in Wallonie, Japan or his most prestigious one to date: a stage in Paris-Nice (2015).