Italian Olympic speed skating champion Davide Ghiotto relies heavily on cycling during his off-season training to maintain fitness and enjoy his time away from competition.
ISU.org, the official website of the International Skating Union, reports from Italy.
After winning the Team Pursuit gold medal at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, Davide Ghiotto quickly returned to his preferred off-season activity: cycling. Covering around 600 to 700 kilometers weekly, Ghiotto describes riding outdoors on the hilly roads near his hometown of Zovencedo, close to Vicenza, as a pleasure rather than work. He often trains with a group of eight to ten riders, including professional cyclists and his younger brother Manuel, who also competes in speed skating.
The varied terrain around Zovencedo offers different challenges, from flat stretches to hilly routes. Ghiotto enjoys the social aspect of cycling, citing conversations with younger teammates who ask about his Olympic experience and share insights about their own cycling seasons. When training with professional cyclists like Eduardo Zamperini, Alberto Bruttomesso, and Tommaso Nencini, Ghiotto sometimes undertakes longer, more intense rides, while other days are reserved for shorter outings combined with gym or slide board exercises targeting skating skills.
Aside from cycling, Ghiotto incorporates inline skating once a week, joining sessions with his former coaches and a group of young skaters aged 12 to 14 years. He values this time as an opportunity to share his experience and engage with the next generation of athletes in a relaxed setting.
During the off-season months, Ghiotto appreciates the chance to be at home and balance his training with family responsibilities. He takes care of his two young children, Filippo and Nicollo, while his partner works, making the most of his time off the competitive schedule. Cycling six days a week forms a significant part of his routine as he prepares to transition back to specialized speed skating training under coach Maurizio Marchetto, with plans to begin a training camp by early summer.
