His training is overseen by Domingo Copelli (personal coach), Hubert Pallhuber (national mountain bike coach), and Fausto Scotti (national cyclo-cross coach). This diverse coaching team has helped him achieve notable success in both disciplines.

Injuries and Recovery

In March 2012, he dislocated his shoulder during a training camp in Finale Ligure, Italy. This was not his first shoulder injury; he had previously dislocated the same shoulder in 2010. Despite these setbacks, he has trained diligently to strengthen his shoulder muscles.

Olympic Achievements

He became the first Italian male mountain biker to win an Olympic medal when he secured bronze in cross-country at the 2012 London Games. Remarkably, he finished the race without a saddle, riding on his bike frame after it came off during a steep climb.

Cyclo-Cross Focus

He skipped the 2015/16 cyclo-cross season to concentrate on the mountain bike circuit ahead of the 2016 Rio Olympics. This decision allowed him more time for gym training to build muscle strength, although it meant missing out on aerobic and lactic work.

Personal Life and Interests

He lives with his wife Elisabetta and son Emiliano. He speaks Italian and enjoys motor sports in his free time. His sporting hero is British mountain biker Steve Peat. His personal motto is, "Life is so good. But you gotta pedal hard if you want to enjoy it all."

As of July 2024, he continues to be a prominent figure in mountain biking, balancing his professional career with family life and personal interests.