Mauro Finetto has been one of the revelations of the season for Neri Sottoli, and he has formed a great partnership with Simone Ponzi. Recently, Finetto talked to Ciclismo Internacional about his season and what he has in store for 2015.

He had a great 2014, finishing in the top ten 18 times in addition to 4 podiums and two wins, in GP Lugano and a stage and the overall of the Tour du Limousin, in only 68 race days, making him one of the most consistent riders in the pro peloton.

“Let’s say it’s in my nature to always want to be competitive throughout the season and this year I really have been,” he said.

“I’ll tell you that I’m satisfied with 2014 but I’m sure I can do better, I want to do even better, maybe less placements and win some more,” he continued.

“I would say I have no regrets, I always made the choices that I thought right, both in races and in the management of the season. If anything, I ask for a bit more luck in the decisive moments of the race.”  

When Finetto took a tough GP Lugano, he won his first race since 2009, although this is partly down to a mountain bike adventure in 2012.

“I thought I could win once again, straight away, instead I had to wait a while.”

However, Finetto was quick to point out that the season wasn’t all good for him, as he suffered big disappointment in Strade Bianche, a race which should suit him due to his mountain bike skills.

“I was very upset about my poor performance. The legs were good, but that day it was very windy and staying ahead in the right places with the help of the team was crucial, especially on occasions such as the one where the Pro Tour teams are very strong and very organized. That day my positioning was wrong, taking a few dirt roads too far back, then you are also making a puncture and the end of games. Next year will be better.”

Finetto also suffered heartbreak in Milan-Sanremo, making the final selection but he was involved in a final corner crash that ended his hopes of at least a top ten, something he could have easily fought for with his good sprint.

“The one disappointment is still very much alive and will remain so for long. I worked hard for that race, not having received the Wild Card for the Tirreno-Adriatico I had worked very hard in training, alone at home. I had a wonderful physical condition, but that day with those conditions I needed little, it was about your head and THE BIG desire to get a result. When everything could be paid off with the podium, I’m in the wrong place at the wrong time; Battaglin went wrong in the last corner, I find myself next to him and in a moment brings me with him into the barrier, a nightmare! I thought it might be my revenge for 2012, taking a possible top 5, instead it became another disappointment.”

Finetto then headed to Belgium, a country he says he loves to race in, for the De Panne stage race. He ended the week a very respectable seventh.

I love the races in Belgium, who has the legs remain in front of those who do not have them. There is always a high pace and the concentration must be maximum, then the characteristics of the course are perfect for my legs and the public is always one for special occasions. When they are on the front of the race in the midst of “the streets” the adrenaline goes up for me, a lot!”

“I was very happy, especially with the excellent performance in the time trial. That day, I was not very aerodynamic but I was able to do a great performance.”

Finetto’s hard racing in the opening months of the season took it stoll though, as he struggled in the Giro d’Italia before abandoning on the infamous Stelvio stage, 16 days in.

But he took some well-earned rest and refocused, and he headed to the Tour du Limousin, where he would take his second and third successes of the season.

“After a period of rest, then training hard, I got to Limousin with a great condition. The first two stages, despite two unfortunate incidents, concluded with top 5 results. I told myself that the third could not go wrong with anything and I had to prove to be in better shape at that time, I also took the lead in the standings, fantastic, my first win in a GC. Beautiful!”

With regards to his 2015, Finetto’s role in the team will remain the same, and he hopes that the team’s host of WorldTour additions can help him win even bigger races in 2015. He may face competition from the likes of Wackermann, Favili and Petacchi for leadership but he is confident they can all work together to achieve success.

“My role will remain the same and in a team like ours, if you have the legs you will get your chance. There will be room for everyone.”

Neri Sottoli took a great victory in the Coppa Italia, which should guarantee them a place at next year’s Giro d’Italia, something Finetto was extremely proud to be a part of.

“I am proud to have contributed to the victory in the Italian Cup, with my teammates. It is true I got most of the points but my companions have often worked for me, and that’s why it’s a team victory.”