If you talk to Basso about Fancellu, you see that Ivan's eyes light upThe Varese native has a predilection for the Italian riders of his Kometa Xstra, but he probably has a soft spot for the boy from Binago. Because Fancellu is really going strong uphill and she also noticed him Trek-SegafredoAlessandro was supposed to join them already in 2021, but after the complicated 2020, he will still do it a year in Basso and Contador's professional team, then he will move up to the WorldTour
Fancellu's story on a bicycle is one of those that truly move and begins in Aprica, where his family spent their holidays. In the summer of his 13th birthday, in fact, the boy notices the signs for Mortirolo and he starts pedaling on his mountain bike. God only knows how long it takes, but he reaches the top. And that evening, while he proudly tells his family about it, his father Salvatore cracks a joke: «You should have seen what Pantani did on the Mortirolo!».
It's the sparkAlessandro turns to YouTube and begins to discover the story of a boy with little hair who could fly on a bicycle.
«Pantani is my idol – he says – even though I've never seen him or met him. I started watching those videos and I realized that in addition to knowing how to win, Marco was able to make you fall in love. And that's why I decided to become a rider."
Now that the writer's eyes are shining with personal experiences, our meeting with Fancellu takes on a different flavor.
Are you as strong as Basso says?
I'm glad you speak well of me. I think I'm good at climbing, but I'm no Evenepoel. I'm a twenty year old guy with a long way to go.
Satisfied with 2020?
Not too much. Il Giro d'Italia U23 it was a goal, but it went badlyI was fine the day before. Then we left and I must have caught an infection, because after the fourth stage, I started to feel weak. In Aprica I felt terrible. And after the Italian championship, I took two weeks of antibiotics.
How did the team take it?
Very good, it's a big groupIt's been a tough year for everyone, and they've been there for me even after the Giro, trying to figure out the cause of this infection. At first, I didn't know all my teammates well, because some were already in the continental race, but a good group has formed.
Basso's words, his love for Pantani... What does climbing mean to you?
It's hard work, for everyone. But when I'm well, the climb is also funIt gives me satisfaction, even before arriving, when you realize you've gone.
When did you feel super Fancellu?
This year, perhaps at the Tour of Antalya, at the start of the season. There were also WorldTour teams and a stage with a mountain finish—not particularly tough, but still uphill. I was supposed to shoot for my teammates, but when I turned around, I found I was alone. and I kept going. Zoidl won and I finished fourth.
What do you need to do well among the pros?
A lot, but I know I can do it and that I have margins. This year the team has allowed us to do a lot of activity among the pros. At the Vuelta Burgos Seeing someone like Valverde go strong was enlighteningThey really go a long way, not just uphill. And I, for example, will have to improve on the flats too, to be able to handle the climbs, which are my environment.
And the time trial?
I have to work on it. They go fast everywhere, even those who go slow.
What have you learned from this year?
A lot, especially in managing difficult situations. When everything is going well, you don't learnWhen things go wrong, you have to rely on yourself.
How does it feel to hear that Basso thinks so highly of you?
Ivan is very close to usIf anyone gives you advice, you listen. But if someone who's won so much gives you advice, you listen twice. It was great to have him by your side at the Giro, even when things weren't going well.
Why aren't you like Remco?
Because it's a phenomenon, someone who is born every now and then, like PantaniAnd then he's a great professional, you can see it from the work he's done since the injury.
And now that you can rest for a while?
I'll be at home and with friends. With my sisters Giulia and Sofia, my mother Monia, and my father Salvatore. I'm fine now, I can't wait to start again.
