As Cyclingnews sits with Giulio Pellizzari in the sunshine outside Red Bull’s Innsbruck hotel on the eve of the Tour of the Alps, a group of children - autograph hunters - come back three times during our interview. "I am a big fan," one assures him. Five minutes later, another gives him a drawing of a yellow flower with 'danke schön' written beneath it.
Everyone seems to love Italy’s cycling champion-in-waiting. The race ends as it started, with young fans clamouring for mementos from the 22-year-old. "Giulio! Giulio! Giulio, per favore!" The cries echo beneath one of Trento’s churches as the race leader prepares to take on the Tour of the Alps’ fifth and final stage.
