Filippo Pozzato came as close to tasting victory at Tour of Flanders as one possibly could without actually collecting the winner's laurels.
The feisty Italian, who retired after the 2018 season, was second to former teammate Tom Boonen during a two-up sprint in 2012. Ironically, Pozzato had helped Boonen take his second Flanders win six years earlier in 2006.
One-year removed from the pro peloton, Pozzato returned to Belgium for the 2019 Tour of Flanders and gained an entirely new appreciation for the race – a side that he had missed as a rider.
In the video above, Pozzato shares a roadside beer with fellow fans, talks about his own experiences as a pro and generally enjoys watching the Monument as part of the 'cycling party' at the roadside.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1