Gianni Cedroni – The love of a job well done

His smile and a few friendly words in his inimitable Roman accent will brighten even the grumpiest companion.

Gianni Cedroni knows the recipe for creating a good atmosphere in a professional cycling team.

As the driver of one of the team buses, the man from Lariano, in the province of Rome, has been working in the shadow of cyclists for over 15 years.

At 58 years old (he will celebrate his next birthday November 7th), Gianni, or “Gigi” as he likes to be called, said he “loves a job done well.”

Since joining the IAM Cycling team at its inception, the man from across the Alps spares neither his time, nor his effort along with all other members of staff to help put the IAM Cycling team, founded in 2012 by Michel Thétaz (owner and CEO of IAM Investment Funds), at the forefront of the sport.

Gianni, tell us what a typical day is like for you?

The day begins for me at the end of breakfast. First I take care to make sure that the bus is prepared to accommodate the riders so they are most comfortable. They should be calm and relaxed before starting to ride. I make myself available to them to make coffee à l’italienne or can perhaps be helpful in locating a missing safety pin. Then I’ll drive them to the start of the race before I drive onto the finish line. Once I’m there, I’ll sometimes cook some pasta and rice to be prepared for anything. I also make sure that everything is ready for the arrival of the riders at the bus; it is important to help facilitate their recovery with adequate food and drink. Then I’ll make sure that the showers and toilets are ready for use. I’ll lay out towels on the seats for the riders. Then once everyone is on board, I’ll drive the guys back to the hotel so they can get their massages and dinners.

Does your work day end there?

Normally not; there are still many things to be take care of. Duties include vacuuming the bus, as well as cleaning the seats and putting them in order for the following day. I’ll then give the bus a wash on the outside so it is neat and clean for the next day. While I’m doing that, I will also run the riders’ kits through the washer and dryer so they will have everything ready by the evening. You could say that I am a magical cleaning fairy, but I love my job so much and have loved it for so long, I don’t count the hours I work. 

For how long have you been working in the professional peloton?

I’ve always loved cycling since I was a child. When I grew up, I started driving trucks for a living. Then I started working for amateur teams in my region. From there I pursued my passion by working with professional teams like Mobilvetta, Selle Italia, Alessio, Milram, Barloworld, Liquigas, Lampre and even BMC. Now I am with IAM Cycling and I am so happy to find this new family with its wonderful atmosphere that I hope to renew my contract at the end of the season.