Interview Alessia Missiaggia

A junior mountainbike worldchampion who turns herself into a promising elite road rider. That's the transition that Alessia Missiaggia has made in the past few years. The Italian grew up near the Alps and chased her limits uncountable times both upwards & downhill. This year, she won races on the Spanish national level and collected close results in UCI races as well, including a twelth spot in a ProSeries races, just below the World Tour. The 26 years old Italian hopes to build further on her progress and set another step next season. You can already look back at what she has achieved now through this interview.

You started your career in MTB, and even became World Champion in Downhill as a junior. How do you look back at that period?

It was definitely an important period of my life, very different from what I’m experiencing now. When I watch downhill races today, I sometimes wonder how I was able to do those things. It certainly gave me a lot in terms of bike handling skills and technique.

Why did you decide to move your career to road cycling?

It was quite a particular moment, the pandemic had just happened, and when I started racing again, I realized that something had changed. I had lost a bit of motivation and wasn’t willing to take so many risks anymore. Without that, it becomes hard to compete at a high level. On the other hand, I was curious to see what it would be like to race on the road.

You had your most successful road season so far. How did you experience the past season?

It wasn’t an easy start. I only found a team in January, but I had kept training as if I were racing. There were some tough moments and a bit of bad luck too, but overall I think I can be satisfied with how things went.

What are your ambitions in the sport?

I want to live through this exciting moment for women’s cycling, race in the biggest events, and keep growing. Taking part in the Tour de France or in races like Paris–Roubaix or the Tour of Flanders is a dream, but not an impossible one. Next year, I hope to perform well in hilly races and small group sprints. One of my main goals is definitely to get my first professional victory.

You grew up near the Alps. What are your favourite training climbs?

I’m really lucky because I can choose from so many climbs. One of my favourites for training is the Passo Palade, but when I go for long rides, I love heading up into the Dolomites.

How did you discover cycling?

I didn’t really “discover” it, it has always been part of my family. Both my mum and dad have always ridden bikes, and when I was little, I saw some kids from a local team training and decided I wanted to try it too.

What will 2026 bring for you?

For now, things are still quite uncertain, but I definitely have a strong desire to challenge myself and keep improving.

How will you spend your winter?

I’ll take a short break now and then start training again. The goal is to build a solid base combining bike work and gym sessions. Maybe I will spend some times abroad to be able to train with warmer temperatures, winter at home can be very cold.