In the demanding world of XCM marathon racing, longevity at the top is rare — and even rarer is the rider who still races with the same joy he started with. Italy’s Samuele Porro is one of those riders. From the roads around Lake Como to podiums across South Africa, the Alps, and beyond, Porro has spent nearly two decades building a career defined by consistency, six national titles, and a World Championship silver medal along the way. Yet what stands out most isn’t the results, but his outlook: for Porro, XCM has always been about discovery — chasing “incredibly diverse races” from the heat and sand of South Africa to the mud and cold of the Alps. As he puts it himself, “being able to have fun is the ultimate key to a successful career.”

With the UCI Marathon World Championship fast approaching on 12 September, we sat down with the Klimatiza Orbea rider to talk about his biggest career moments, his connection to home, and what still drives him after all these years.

1. Who is Samuele Porro? (Tell us a bit about yourself beyond racing)

I am a 38-year-old “kid” who has a lot of fun riding bikes, training, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I love traveling during the off-season and visiting new places with my MTB during the racing season.

2. You were born and raised in Como — what does home mean to you after so many years racing across Europe and the world?

I am deeply attached to my home. I really enjoy training in the area, even though the traffic gets crazy at times. Honestly, after racing in so many places around the world, I wouldn’t trade it for anywhere else!

3. You’ve been racing since 2007 — nearly two decades in the sport. Looking back, when did it click that XCM marathon racing was truly your path?

It happened naturally. I immediately felt at ease during my first long-distance races, and it was a quick step from there.

4. What is it about XCM and stage racing specifically that excites you — as opposed to XCO or road?

I love XCM because it allows you to discover new places and experience incredibly diverse races — ranging from the heat and sand of South Africa to the mud and cold of the Alps.

5. You’re a six-time Italian national champion with European and World Championship medals to your name. Which achievement means the most to you personally?

You never forget your first national champion jersey, but winning the silver medal at last year’s World Championship was definitely the most unforgettable moment.

6. You’ve had multiple podiums at the Cape Epic, including 3rd place with Damiano Ferraro. What was the emotion like on that final podium?

The podium was intense because it was the result of so much hard work. However, I must admit that the strongest emotion came from winning a stage that same year.

7. What has been the hardest moment of your career so far — and what did it teach you?

It was probably my crash at the 2021 Swiss Epic. I was ready to defend my Italian national title and couldn’t wait to race the World Championship on Elba Island. That injury cost me a lot.

8. What’s been your standout moment of 2026 so far? It doesn’t have to be a result — it could be a strong ride, a moment with a teammate, or something that just meant a lot to you.

The 2026 Cape Epic was a very intense experience that I shared with my teammate Luis and the entire team.

9. Looking at the rest of the 2026 season, what are your main goals — and what would make you look back on this year as a success?

There are only two races left on my 2026 calendar: the World Championship and the final round of the World Cup. I have been working toward both events for months, and I want to be a key contender in them.

10. You’re now racing for Klimatiza Orbea alongside Marc Stutzmann, one of the top riders in the XCM ranking. How has that partnership shaped your approach to the team’s biggest races?

It is always a pleasure to share these experiences with Marc. He always manages to make me feel at ease and keeps me calm during the most stressful moments.

11. As one of the more experienced riders on the circuit, what role do you feel you play for younger teammates coming up in the sport?

I hope I can say that I set a good example. At least, I try my best to do so.

12. What role does nutrition and recovery play in multi-day stage races, where hundreds of kilometres and thousands of metres of climbing are on the table?

In recent years, nutrition has started playing a fundamental role, not just for stage races but also for daily training. It is a pleasure to collaborate with 226ers to ensure we are supported in the best possible way.

13. Your consistency at the top level over so many years stands out. Is that something you’ve built through training and experience, or does it come more naturally?

At the beginning, it came naturally. After so many years, experience definitely helped me.

14. What does a “good day” on the bike look like for you — even when the result isn’t what you hoped?

Having good feelings on the bike is always the best, even when the final result isn’t exactly what I hoped for.

15. Favourite food on or off the bike? Any Italian classics you miss when you’re racing abroad?

Pizza. I never completely miss out on it, but it is often hard to find a good one when traveling.

16. Strangest thing you’ve ever craved mid-race?

Peanuts.

17. Do you have a pre-race ritual or lucky charm?

Nothing in particular.

18. One thing you always pack when you travel?

A stretching mat.

19. Nearly 20 years into your career, what do you think you’d be doing if cycling hadn’t worked out?

No idea. Cycling is my life.

20. What’s your favourite Squirt Cycling product, and why does it matter to you during the long, punishing stages you race?

The hot wax, by far.

21. What would surprise fans or young riders about you if they knew you off the bike?

I like beer.

22. What’s your advice for young Italian riders who dream of a long, sustainable career in the sport?

Being able to have fun is the ultimate key to a successful career.

Fun Facts

• Coffee order: Espresso

• Go-to recovery snack: Haribo

• Dream ride location: Livigno

• Early bird or night owl? Night owl

• One thing from Italy you wish you could bring to every race: Italian rusks (fette biscottate)