Does Damiano Cunego will race "Tour de France" ?

[francie]

He's not yet 23, so I'd think he'd be far to young to ride two grand tours. 20 years ago they would throw him in the Tour though, just like someone named Fignon

[happy_fun_ball]

Will he race as an U23?

[Nexnecis]

No, he won't be at next Tour.
AFAIK, his program for the remain of the season is to take a break after the Italian National Championship and return to race in September (probably
Vuelta) to prepare the World Championships which will be held in his hometown of Verona, on the same circuit that crowned him Junior World
Champion back in '89.

[rickZ]

Conventional Wisdom<tm> has it this is at least a year too soon to throw Cunego into two consecutive grand tours. Much of the climbing is later, so maybe they might haul him in to work for Simoni during the first stages, but I have to believe that's a short-sighted approach. Better to develop the rider, since it was noted recently that his contract has been extended. He looks like the heir apparent to Simoni's role.

[zjd269]

He's shown remarkable composure so far. Maybe they'll throw him in to take the focus off Simoni (not to mention help him in the mountains).

[Nicky]

Agreed. Simoni's time at the Tour is running out, and his behaviour in this
Giro these last days smacks of down payment on Cunego's help in France.