You may remember Eros Poli as Mario Cipollini’s leadout man, but on an inGamba tour, he’ll be the guide getting you up the hill (and if you ask nicely, he may lead you out for a sprint!).
Which trip are you like most excited about for this year?
I’m very excited about Croatia—I love the area. It’s close to Italy and it’s beautiful. It’s a fun blend of riding along the coast and seeing the Adriatic while also going inland.
Favorite inGamba tour memory?
I remember in 2014, inGamba’s founder invited me on the coast ride from San Francisco to to Santa Barbara. And it was my first ride down the coast, along the Pacific, and it was so fun. But of course, being from Italy, I love riding here and showing people my favorite roads.
What the best post-ride wine?
I like fresh wine, very light, like a Prosecco. Prosecco is like a Coca Cola. The tiny bubbles—it’s perfect when it’s cold on a hot day. And Prosecco is from my region where I live.
Favorite post-ride snack?
I like cakes—sometimes I want a pizza but usually cake. I love an apple cake, my wife and my mother both make apple cake. Right now, I like a simple cake with a little bit of lemon zest.
(Tommi at our bed-and-breakfast in Borgolecchi makes an apple cake that might rival Eros’ mom’s apple cake!)
Song that you listen to when you need to get motivated?
I can’t remember the name but it was the song playing when I won the Mont Ventoux stage in the Tour. That became my song. Now, when I’m going up a climb and my leg start to yell and I feel like piranhas are biting my muscles, I start singing that song by my head. And sometimes out loud. On tours, everyone can hear me on the climbs!
Legwarmers or no?
Leg warmers, not much. For leg warmers, it must be very cold. If it rains, nothing. I put some oil in my legs so the rain can slide away. But I don’t like a leg warmer. I’ll wear arm warmers, but I avoid leg warmers.
What are your off-bike hobbies?
I’m old now. I’m relaxed. So I go walk with my dog and with my wife, and every day, I try to be on the bike for three, four hour. On the ride, I’ll stop for a draft beer and a little sandwich with thin salami—sopresso—and sit outside and eat that. And of course, my wife and I have aperitivo every evening together.
Who is your favorite pro rider in the WorldTour right now?
I love Jonas Vingegaard. He’s so calm, so focused in a big event. I know everyone loves Pogačar, and he is a showman. But I prefer Vingegaard. He’s a good fighter.
…And your best tip for someone coming on a tour with inGamba?
Trust in your guides. They are professionals and they will give their all every day for you. Our rides are for everyone—and yes, sometimes the days feel hard. But if you listen to the advice from the guides, they give great suggestions about how to approach the long climbs and descents. And in the worst case, it’s no problem, there’s a van you can get in if you need a break. We give you whatever support you need—you need water, gels, a break in the van, an adjustment on your bike? No problem. And if you’re the last person on the climb on a tour with me, I’ll be riding with you.
