Among the riders still looking for a new contract is Elia Favilli who after two years at Lampre-Merida spent the 2015 season at Southeast.

"I feel bad because for now I have no contract,” he tells Tuttobiciweb. “The team told me that if they can find another sponsor, they will keep me but at the moment it is more no than yes. I honestly did not expect it so I did not look too much around because I have the feeling that the answer is always the same: there is no money. I hope Citracca will find room space to keep me in this group because I find it really well and I think I can still have my say in the world of cycling.

"We are experiencing one of the worst moments for cycling. The economic situation is critical and the sport also suffers. I realized that something was not working when [Daniele] Pietropolli had to retire. He was a rider who really deserved to be here and more than half of the peloton was slower than him. Last year many strong riders had to retire and it will be the same this winter. I do not want to complain but unfortunately that’s how cycling is today. These days I think of the past 5 years in the highest category and my past years in the youth categories: the passion that I have always shown, the errors I have made made, the opportunities that I have not exploited in full, the weaknesses I have to improve. I am self-critical and I try to find the reasons. I really hope my adventure will not end here. I am continuing to train and until December 31, I will believe in it.

"I'm really frustrated by the thought of having to do something else. A rider is used to go out for a ride every morning. I have always done this in my life and cycling is my only profession. The great changes scare me. I have to get used to the thought, but right now it is difficult. If no one calls me, I will have to find a job. I have no great pretensions, the important thing is to keep my family well, not to leave anything to my children. Fortunately my wife Chiara recently signed a permanent contract but I cannot do without my contribution to the family budget. Ginevra is 17 months old while Emanuele is in first grade. He is a very sensitive child but he doesn’t have to worry: whatever happens, his dad will find a solution.”