After five long years of relentless pursuit, Mattia Gaffuri has finally achieved his dream—turning professional with Picnic-PostNL. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the WorldTour ready for a 26-year-old newcomer who’s spent years knocking on the door without breaking through? Let’s dive into his journey and find out.
Mattia Gaffuri, the 26-year-old Italian cyclist, is set to race at the WorldTour level with Picnic-PostNL in 2026. It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Gaffuri, who has spent the past five years chasing this very moment. As an under-23 rider in Italy, he shone in gravel races and twice reached the finals of the Zwift Academy, yet the coveted spot in cycling’s elite division always seemed just out of reach—until now.
And this is the part most people miss: Gaffuri’s data speaks volumes. When Picnic-PostNL reviewed his performance metrics, they were blown away. ‘His numbers are outstanding,’ they noted, confirming what they’d already seen in his racing. But does raw talent alone guarantee success at the WorldTour level? That’s the question on everyone’s mind.
Gaffuri’s debut season is packed with high-stakes races. He’ll kick things off at the UAE Tour in mid-February, followed by Strade Bianche and Tirreno-Adriatico. Strade Bianche, in particular, is a race where his gravel expertise and climbing prowess could shine. However, as Gaffuri himself points out, ‘It’s one thing racing gravel against amateurs and another against Tadej Pogačar and the pro Classic riders.’ This bold statement highlights the massive leap he’s about to take.
His performance in these spring races will also determine whether he earns a spot in the Picnic-PostNL squad for the Giro d’Italia, where he’d support Max Poole. Gaffuri admits, ‘I will have to earn my spot… Max Poole is capable of doing really, really well this year, and I hope to be there to help him.’ But with fierce competition within the team, nothing is guaranteed.
Training in Calpe, Gaffuri is a mix of excitement and nerves. ‘It’s a little scary thinking I’ll be thrown to the wolves in a few weeks,’ he joked. Yet, he remains optimistic, drawing strength from his experience. ‘I’m older than most guys who turn pro, so it should be OK. I just need to learn fast and soak up as much as possible.’
Here’s the controversial take: Gaffuri’s two-year contract with Picnic-PostNL suggests the team sees long-term potential, but can he deliver under pressure? His philosophy—‘It’s important to fail, to struggle, and learn from it’—is refreshing, but the WorldTour doesn’t reward patience. Will his approach pay off, or will the competition leave him behind?
As Gaffuri embarks on this new chapter, one thing is clear: his journey is far from over. But the question remains—can he rise to the occasion and prove his worth among the world’s best? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think Gaffuri has what it takes, or is the WorldTour a step too far?
