Since his retirement in 2008, former professional cyclist Paolo Bettini limited his involvement in cycling to commentary on Italian television station RAI. But the 35-year-old says he wants to get back into the sport in a more active roll as director for the Italian national team.
“I would like to take over for the current team director Franco Ballerini. He is very good, but if it stops, I would love to take his place,” Bettini told the Gazzetta dello Sport.
Being a two-time world champion, Bettini knows a thing or two about winning the rainbow jersey. The rider known as “il grillo”, would like to one day use his experience to help bring home the rainbow jersey yet again for Italy.
With an incredible four world championship jerseys and an Olympic gold medal under his tutelage, Ballerini has shown no signs of slowing down. But with his track record there is no doubt he would make an excellent choice as a full-time team director.