The Italian victory in the team sprint at the stage of World Cup in Malaysia it caused a sensation, even leading media that usually don't even know where track cycling is based to cover the event and call the protagonists into question. But that wasn't all, because the Italian speed trip to Asia also had other notable moments. and the protagonist has always been Mattia Predomo, first a luxury finisher in the team tournament won and then actor of an important individual quarter-final against "his majesty" Lavreysen.
The return home was almost traumatic, taking just a couple of days. But he was accompanied by so many memories and experiences, and the new album couldn't help but open with the historic moment of victory: "This trip to Malaysia was a special one. In terms of results, we expected to do well, but maybe not this well. We went there with the best intentions, we are a group of professionals, you don't go to the races just for fun.I was honestly hoping for a final and I knew it was within our reach. But reality went far beyond my dreams."
How did you handle Napolitano's problem in the second lap? Basically, you had to gamble away most of the victory against the last Chinese rider...
I knew our times were very close, especially on the first and second lap and From the analyses we had done between the second test and the final, we had already understood that my lap, therefore the last fraction, would be quite decisive. So let's just say I rolled up my sleeves and did my job.
What's changing now in your group, not just the three of you, but everyone in this sprint team. Was this the leap in quality you were waiting for?
Yes, definitely. It's a step, we're definitely not there yet, we're probably not even halfway there, but let's say it's a big step towards our goals.It's so motivating to know how far we've come, but also how much more work we can do to go much further.
What value do you give to this success?
We've seen that we're here too, even against the nations that matter. And let's not forget that some were absent. But we managed to bring home a really very important result and in any case to give a good signal that Italy can have its say in the team sprint..
We come to the quarter-final with Lavreysen…
The bad news… Jokes aside, fighting with him or Richardson, but also Hoffman, as happened to me in the round of 16 of the speed in Hong Kong certainly gives you a lot of experience, you learn to race with the best in the world. In those circumstances you always try to learn as much as possible, to absorb as many things as possible and to always try to improve yourself, looking at what you have done and what you have done wrong..
How did running evolve?
There were two challenges, in the first one I was leading, then he decided to take the lead and we fought it out, we arrived at the finish line close together. In the second, he was leading, he imposed the pace and then I tried to catch up with him on the final straight.
What did you learn?
First of all, no one should be underestimated, not even in the heats. Whether it was with me or with Paul from Trinidad for example in the final, the approach to the drums was identical.Never underestimating an opponent, even when he is clearly superior, is one of his secrets.
Did he tell you anything afterward?
Yes, he complimented me on how I ran and obviously it was a great moment for me, because receiving a compliment like that from the king of the specialty has its own value.
How much of a physical difference is there between the two of you?
A lot. Obviously there's also a few years difference, so with a lot of work and sacrifice, this gap can definitely be bridged.
But where is the biggest gap between weight and experience?
It's definitely a lot on a physical level, because he's been in this circus for many more years than me and, above all, he's been at that level for much longer. I haven't gotten there yet, so Both will take time, and I think they grow very much together.
Do you still notice any improvement in your overall performance compared to similar players?
Honestly I feel improved, a couple of years ago in qualifying I wasn't able to express myself to the best of my potential, instead Now I always have a good time in my legs and even when I'm in the heats I run with a clear and aware head.
Will you now prepare for the European Championships in your category?
Exactly, now begins an important training period for the U23 European Championships which will be in Cottbus (GER), so an unusual European Championship for the track because it will be outdoors. But It will be a great experience because the level of under has now risen a lot and therefore it will serve as further experience.
