Interview Linda Laporta

First years in the World Tour races, first grand tour and first big results in the Italian classics. Linda Laporta was one of the suprises of this Autumn. The former gymnast managed to finish top 10's among some of the best riders in the World. The 26 years old Italian pro rider adapted to pro cycling quickly and set big steps forward in a short time. Next season, she aimes to do even bigger, and you can already get to know her better in the following Q&A.

How do you look back at your season?

Last season was my first real competitive season. After a past as a high-level athlete in artistic gymnastics, I've finally returned to high levels in cycling as well.

I had to learn a lot of things to be able to perform, and I learned them through racing experience. In fact, the races after the Giro d'Italia went much better.

My problem has never been achieving high values(I came from another sport, but I was still a high-level athlete) but being able to express my values in competitions. For this I have to thank the manager of my BePink Imatra Bongioanni – Walter Zini -, for allowing me to gain experience and thanks also to my teammates who worked during the competitions so that I could express my abilities.

You have made a big step forward this season. What did you do differently this year?

I did everything I'd never done before because I had no experience. Thanks to my coach Walter Zini, we started working at the end of 2024 to build a solid foundation for 2025. I still have a lot to learn, but this makes me realize I can still improve and my level can grow further. We can say that this was my first real competitive year on a bike and that it's just the beginning

You were born in Milan. Was it your dream to ride Milano -Sanremo?

I race the Milan-San Remo last season and it was exciting. I'd definitely like to do it again with the experience I've gained so far and with better memories (maybe a top 20). It was a great race, but unfortunately I crashed, so I hope to cross the finish line in a better position than in 2025

What are your ambitions in the sport?

In all sports (I was like that in gymnastics and I'm like that with cycling), I'm a lion in pursuit of success. I'm focused on my goals and love my routine, which includes fasted yoga, breakfast, and then training, which is my favorite time. My secret dream is something similar to the Olympics or the overall classification at the Giro d'Italia. For me, sport is a lifestyle, and training is never a burden.

What will 2026 bring for you?

I don't really know yet. What's certain is that with the experience of 2025, I'll give it my all to be competitive. I hope to do the Giro d'Italia again, to give my best at the Giro dell'Emilia (on the roads where I currently live), and to perhaps score my first victory on a bike, since so far I've only won in skirts.

You rode your first Giro d'Italia this year. How was this experience for you?

The Giro d'Italia isn't a normal stage race. For me, being Italian, it was very exciting and deeply felt because in Italy, even if you change places every day, you feel at home. I had to get used to the fact that the level of the race was high every day, and there was never any recovery. But I was really happy to bring it home, and I'm sure I can do better in 2026.

How did you get into cycling?

The story is strange, because I was a high-level artistic gymnast. When I decided to quit, at 19, I started running, but I didn't feel the same adrenaline rush. Some friends who did MK triathlon convinced me to buy a bike in May 2022, and I took my first ride in June 2022. From there, I started dreaming... I wanted to compete with the other girls! So I worked so hard to get here, but hard work always pays off. I have to thank my manager Walter Zini. for selecting me after a test of my values, and for realizing that I could do it.

What are your hobbies & interests outside cycling?

I really enjoy shopping. I like perfumes, and listening to music on headphones relaxes me. I like running and walking, and sometimes I still watch artistic gymnastic competitions.