UAE Team L’IMAD is pleased to announce that Gian Paolo Mondini will join its sporting staff as a Sports Director for the 2027 season. A former professional cyclist, psychology graduate and, for 14 years, a key point of contact between Specialized and professional teams and riders, Mondini brings a distinctive combination of racing experience, technical knowledge and an understanding of the psychological factors that influence athletic performance.
Originally from Faenza and now living in Mercato Saraceno, in Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, Mondini spent eight seasons as a professional rider between 1996 and 2003, securing around 15 victories. His major achievements include winning Stage 18 of the 1999 Tour de France, taking the overall title at the 1997 Tour of Sweden and becoming Italian national time trial champion in 2003.
Following his retirement from professional racing, Mondini worked in his family business before graduating in Psychology, a field he considers particularly relevant to understanding the mental processes and individual dynamics that shape an athlete’s performance.
He subsequently joined the bike company, where he spent 14 years as a Team Liaison, acting as a link between the company, professional teams and riders. His responsibilities included equipment testing and contributing to the development of products designed to improve performance. This role gave him extensive technical knowledge of cycling equipment and the opportunity to work closely with leading international riders like Contador, Sagan, Alaphilippe, Evenepoel and gaining valuable insight into the technical requirements of professional teams at the highest level.
In 2025, Mondini took the next step in his career by joining SD Worx-Protime as a Sports Director, bringing together his experience as a former rider, his technical expertise and his understanding of athlete psychology in a new role within professional women’s cycling.
“I was particularly impressed by the team spirit UAE Team L’IMAD demonstrated throughout this season. On several occasions, I saw multiple riders attacking together, showing courage and determination. That is the kind of racing I would love to see in every race. I am also excited by the ambition to build a team capable of remaining at the very top of international cycling for many years, following a path of continuous growth and development,” says Gian Paolo Mondini.
“Beyond my experience as a former professional rider, I would like to contribute the knowledge I have gained in equipment and performance development. In modern cycling, attention to detail and the small advantages we call marginal gains can make a significant difference. I want to help the team identify these opportunities and make the most of them. Just as importantly, I want to be someone every rider and member of staff can rely on, bringing professionalism, expertise and a collaborative approach to the team.”
Mondini’s arrival represents another important step in UAE Team L’IMAD’s ongoing development and its ambition to strengthen its position at the highest level of international women’s cycling. His ability to combine an athlete’s perspective with specialist knowledge of equipment and an understanding of the psychological side of performance will bring valuable expertise to the team, both in preparation and in competition.
