When Peter Sagan crossed the finish line at the Worlds in Richmond, Giovanni Lombardi, professional from 1992 to 2006, Olympic champion in the points race and winner of four stages in the Giro d’Italia and two in the Vuelta a España was waiting for him. As his manager, Lombardi has been looking after Sagan’s interests for six years.

Lombardi recently spoke to Tuttobiciweb about his first impression of Sagan.

"I first heard about this guy when he was fourth in the prologue at the 2010 Paris Nice,” he told the Italian website. “Going to the races I was able to speak to him and get to know him better. At the time I worked with Ivan Basso and his other teammates so it was natural that I approached him. We decided to work together in the winter of 2010. We took this decision in Cancun, Mexico, where we attended a ‘Criterium with the Stars’ at the end of the season.

"He has grown a lot since then. He is only 25 years old but he is a mature man. In some ways he remains a kid in his private life and every now and then he does something stupid, but it's a real guy. In recent years he has obviously grown, not just physically. In this sense it was good that the success at the Worlds has come now and not too early. In his career it could have been a boomerang because it is not any easier to manage the notoriety and fame when you're only 20 years old. He grew up but remained pure and simple as he has always been and always will be because Peter is like you see him. Today he is a man who listens and an impressive memory. He does not forget anything. If I made a speech in 2010, he is able to repeat it word for word today. To work with him is very challenging, but you can imagine how much it stimulates me.”

Sagan is known as one of the best paid riders in the peloton.

"He has earned everything he has and he is justifiably proud,” Lombardi said. “He does not come from a wealthy family so he gives the right value his earnings and is generous. After the win at the Worlds, his "weight" does not change much. He can earn something extra with some new sponsorship contract and bonuses but in terms of his wages, it changes little or nothing: even before he was one of the best-paid riders. It has not changed the person. Like everyone else, he loves the good life but not in a bad way. In his spare time he enjoys going around on a Vespa, playing with his dog Charlie and being with his wife.”

Sagan recently got married to Katarina.

"She gave him a great balance,” Lombardi said. “I am happy she has now given him the stability he needed as a man and as an athlete for more than two years ago. The bond with his brother is another important thing. He can win any race in the world, but Juraj remains his older brother, his point of reference. It has a great influence on his decisions. "

Sagan’s year was a mixed one. His spring classics campaign was poor but things turned around when he won the Tour of California.

"Of this year I have two memories with him: two evenings,” Lombardi said. “First when he finished the Tour of California, after a victory that had enormous values ​​as his season started badly with the classics. That win was the turning point that allowed him to do well at the Tour of Switzerland, to do a very good Tour in which it is true he could not win a stage but it was the best of the four that he has done. Indeed, the Grande Boucle has shown better than any other occasion who is the real Peter Sagan: a rider that even after so many second places fights for every point. Even if he loses he does it head-on. He always wants to win but when he fails, he is able to reset everything and start again. He is a fighter and does not give rise to controversy. He knows what he is worth and despite what has been said, he won many races. He rides to prove that he is always a protagonist. He did the Vuelta where he won a stage and then was sent home by a motorcycle. Then we had the Worlds and the great joy, which was followed by a small party. After the great satisfaction, we flew from America to Zilina in his home country. You have no idea of ​​the reception. In the central square, more than 10,000 people had gathered, the celebrations were broadcast on live TV for two hours on the national channel. It was a show!"

Lombardi knew that the Worlds title was within reach.

"I was once asked in an interview if he was the new Eddy Merckx,” he said. “I said no, but he is Peter Sagan and will make history in this period of cycling. I always believed he was destined to win big races, we had to wait five years to win the Worlds and it was worth it. In Richmond it has been a real pleasure for the way in which he won the race and how it was celebrated by the whole group. At the World Championships he has shown himself and now he has to go down that road. This statement is the start of the second phase of his career.”

“Regarding the sporting aspect, he must confirm he level that he has reached,” he added about future objectives. “He must continue to show himself.  When I went to see the races as a child, I expected the winners to make a little show and now I am on the other side it seems fair to try to make the people who came to the streets to cheer me and the other riders on, smile. It is a way in which you can thank them and I enjoy it. But he must not get lost in the winter. That is a risk for all riders after an amazing year. He has to stay focused and be at his best at the start of the new season to honor the rainbow jersey as best he can, in each race, every day.”