Contrary to previous years, the Giro d'Italia cyclocross closed its doors without waiting for the turn of the year. In Ferentino (FR) on a completely new route created in the field of D&D Fixtures, the challenge closed its doors without its mentor. Fausto Scotti indeed, for the first time in years he had to give up his presence, perhaps not because of an international coincidence as happened to him during his time in the Italian technical sector, but for much more serious reasons.
In fact, the Roman technician has been in hospital since Christmas evening, one of the many grappling with Covid in a strong wayFrom his bed, Fausto followed the events of the final stage and remained close to his baby. On the other hand, thoughts of his beloved child were not lacking, conveyed in a general wish for a speedy recovery.
A surprise winner arrives
The Italian championships are approaching, and races like the one in Ferentino were useful for some to get a signal ahead of the Italian championship. At least for those who don't follow international activity, as happens, for example, with the teams of Guerciotti e Craved. So the open race rewarded a completely unexpected winner, the U23 Ettore Loconsolo (Team Fractor) author of a great performance that made Antonio's end of the year go haywire Folcarelli, who was aiming to turn the tables on his home turf at the last minute. Second place wasn't enough to overtake Cristian Cominelli, who once again took home the pink jersey thanks to his consistent performance.
Third overall in Ferentino was Marco Pavan, the standard-bearer of the DP66 Giant Smp which from this point of view is like Cominelli, an authentic clock: «After I won the white jersey in the Follonica stage, the team and I decided to make the Giro my seasonal goal., giving up some foreign trips was not a sacrifice, it was here that I had to and wanted to emerge".
In the name of multidisciplinary
Pavan, a Turin native now based in Friuli, is a member of the new generation that loves multi-disciplines. "I started cycling early," he says, "and as a student I focused on cyclocross. My progress there has been steady, but I also enjoy mountain biking and road cycling." I probably practice the former more, but in the last year I've increased my road racing where, sprints aside, I see I can perform well on many routes, like a classic rouleur-climber. For me, however, the other disciplines are always preparatory to cyclocross.».
The white jersey, the result of his podium finishes in Follonica, Gallipoli and Ferentino, is the right way to go towards the Italian championships where Pavan, second last year, would like to try to climb a step, even if he prefers to keep a low profile in his statements: «I would like to confirm the podium again but the level has risen, not only with the new additions from last year's juniorsI know it will be difficult, but I'll give it my all. An Italian jersey if we win? Pontoni was clear, there are very few places available for the World Cup, I'm not having any great illusions."
Stop in Bulleri, Casasola in pink
Loconsolo is just the latest arrival in a category that was already considered very promising before the start of the season: «I preferred to attack before the final bend to avoid the sprint, I knew that by entering it in the lead I could winThis victory is dedicated to Paul Albert, who took me under his wing last summer and the results are showing."
The outcome of the women's race may sound like a surprise, with the Elban Bulleri capable of checkmating Sara Single house, happy anyway to have put another challenge on the board after the Master Cross: "I wanted to get to the end of the year in the best shape, because it coincides with the Italian appointment and this victory says that the objective has been achieved., I can look to the Italian championships with more confidence."
Paletti has got a taste for it
It is now a tradition that the most fought category and able to attract attention is above all the junior men's one and the last stage was a real thrill, with three athletes (Ivan Street, Simon Various, Luca pallet) almost tied, which meant that whoever arrived first in Ferentino would win.
Carrer played defense against an unleashed Paletti, and in the end Filippo Borello took advantage of it, winner of the stage but not involved in the great challenge that ultimately rewarded Paletti, capable of collecting challenges in extremis as he had done a few days earlier at the Master Cross: «My father was moved to see that I had made it. He is my coach, psychologist, supporter, and above all, a father. No victory can be shared more than that.».
