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As Cyclingnews sits with Giulio Pellizzari in the sunshine outside Red Bull’s Innsbruck hotel on the eve of the Tour of the Alps, a group of children - autograph hunters - come back three times during our interview. "I am a big fan," one assures him. Five minutes later, another gives him a drawing of a yellow flower with 'danke schön' written beneath it.

Everyone seems to love Italy’s cycling champion-in-waiting. The race ends as it started, with young fans clamouring for mementos from the 22-year-old. "Giulio! Giulio! Giulio, per favore !" The cries echo beneath one of Trento’s churches as the race leader prepares to take on the Tour of the Alps’ fifth and final stage.

He signs a Red Bull cap and reaches over to put his signature on a green Tour of the Alps flag.…