If you've ever dreamed of living on a bike, Dalia Muccioli will make you want to do it for real.
Former professional cyclist, winner of the Italian Road Championship, today she continues to pedal between tours, events and new adventures. With her direct style and contagious energy, she tells us what it means to move from racing to cycle tourism, how women's cycling has changed and what are her certainties... in the saddle and beyond.
When did you start cycling and what made you realize it would become something more than just a passion?
I started riding a bike when I was 8 years old, and I immediately started competing because I had classmates who already practiced this sport. Then, it must be said that my father has always been a great enthusiast and my uncles also raced bikes. In short... a family passion.
I understood that cycling would become much more than just a passion at 18, during my second year as a Junior, when I started to do things more seriously: following specific training sessions, taking care of my ' power supply. From there came the results: 3 victories, a fourth place at the European Championship, participation in the World Championship in Valkenburg. And the ' the following year I turned professional.
What was, in your opinion, the most significant moment of your career as a professional cyclist?
I would say the victory at the Italian Championship in 2013. In my second year as a professional, in Varese, I won the road race of the Italian Championships. It was the day that changed my life and my way of thinking. I really owe a lot to that day.
How did you experience your experience as a female athlete in a sport historically dominated by men? And how has women's cycling changed today?
Cycling has always been a predominantly male sport, but in my opinion women, with their tenacity, have always shown that they are at the forefront. ' Your Highness. I, for example, have always felt strong and ready for this world.
Fortunately, in recent years — especially after Covid — things are changing: more visibility, more sponsors, more funding. We are finally trying to close that gap. It will still take time, but we have made huge steps compared to just five years ago. And I am really happy about that, especially for my friends and former teammates.
After becoming a professional, you chose to stay in the world of two wheels, but with a different perspective. What inspired you to become a cycle touring guide?
After ending my professional career in 2019, I decided to stay in the world of cycling, because it has always been my passion. I started working as a guide for a hotel in Riccione and for the American company DuVine Cycling + Adventure. I like sharing this passion with others, touring the ' Italy and the world always in the saddle. It's fantastic.
In addition to my work as a guide, I also remained in the ' professional environment: I work as a speaker for RCS, I presented the Milan-Sanremo and the Strade Bianche, and this one too ' this year I will be at the Giro d ' Italy as a testimonial for Banca Mediolanum. In short, another life on two wheels!
Even without competitions, how important is physical and mental preparation for you today before getting on the saddle? Do you have a routine that you always follow?
Preparation, both physical and mental, is always important. But since I stopped racing, I experience cycling in a whole new way: I go out to switch off, enjoy the landscape, take breaks at the bar, eat a croissant with Nutella or an extra pizza in the evening. It's something that makes me feel good.
After a lifetime as an athlete, eating healthy and keeping fit has become a natural way of life. My typical day? Breakfast as soon as I wake up, then bike — alone or accompanying clients on tours — lunch, dinner… But without the stress of performance. Now I’m also free to enjoy a glass of wine. And it’s beautiful.
And finally… what are the SPORTLAB products that you always carry with you?
My favorite SPORTLAB products are oils, both WARMUP and COOLDOWN because I have noticed that they make a difference and therefore they are always with me, both at home and in my suitcase.
All we can do is thank Dalia for the nice chat and hope she continues to enjoy working, for herself and for the many cyclists who will be lucky enough to ride with her!