The week of good news ended yesterday with the gold of Mattia Agostinacchio at the European Cross Country Championships, but it had opened with that of the Filippo Baroncini's return by bike. The sun was truly shining in Dubai. The sun was shining on the road, the sun was shining in the souls of the rider, and also in the hearts of his fans. The last few months hadn't been great, as you might imagine.
We remember that Baroncini had been the victim of a terrible fall at Tour of Poland. Filippo had suffered fractures to his collarbone, spine, and face, so much so that he was placed in a medically induced coma. A real blow for him and also for his UAE EmiratesSeeing him so celebrated in the saddle on the sunny straights of the United Arab Emirates, where the team met Mauro Gianetti, it was really beautiful. In the simplest and most genuine sense of the word.
Filippo, let's start right here: with these rides in the Emirati sun...
Oh yes – Filippo begins with a light, liberating sigh, but with a ringing tone – I'm more relaxed now. I'm happier, I got back on my bike and everything was immediately better.
What time was it?
It's a special time, with a few ups and downs. Maybe we can split them up: the time in the hospital, the time returning home, then rehabilitation, where there are ups and downs there too. And finally, the time to get back on the bike. In the hospital I was lucky enough to have my family by my side every day and this helped me a lot mentally. Then I found a beautiful environment, with super nice, motivating doctors and nurses. This made my days feel more joyful. All that was needed was for the evening to come, and time passed slowly... Thinking as little as possible about the negatives and having positive people around me meant a lot.
How was your rehabilitation period? What did you do, and what was your typical day like?
With the team we decided which center was best for me, Even following the doctors' advice. At first it seemed like I would have to stay in a day-and-night center, but then they saw that my recovery was excellent and offered me the option of an outpatient program. This was a great incentive. In the end, we chose the Physiology Center of Forlì (the structure created by Fabrizio Borra, ed.), where I already knew the guys: super motivating and super prepared. Recovery was good right away, especially at a muscular level, which was the main thing I had lost., in addition to various ailments.
Do you have any particular problems now, bones, tendons, posture... or do you just have to rebuild everything?
My bones are fine, everything is solid, so I was able to get back to normal fairly quickly. Obviously, you have to go step by step. I'd also like to do four hours right away and get a full workout, but in the end it's as if I've started from scratch, especially on a cardiorespiratory level. This is the aspect I lost the most, because I was out of action for two and a half months. In the hospital, I only did strength training, not endurance, so now I'm working on that with the bike. The goal is to get my cardio back to normal.
Did you set off directly with your bike?
I started walking, then on the exercise bike, then on the rollers and finally on the road bike. The main problem now is muscle and joint stiffness: I'm working on it with osteopaths and physiotherapists.
So you're still doing physical therapy?
Let's say that physiotherapy is turning into a gym. Before getting on the bike, I also took several walks, as I mentioned.
Do you remember anything about the fall?
Yes, I remember everything…
Okay, message received. Let's talk about good things: you're back on your bike. We saw a lot of your teammates genuinely happy for you. What a moment that was?
Yes, I found them all there in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It was a great feeling, as if I had left the group and then returned. For me it was important, it was what I needed most now: to return to the team, Show them I'm here, tell them how things are going. Everyone's been amazed at how I'm recovering. They've always written to me.
What was it like getting back on the bike? The wind in my face...
It was the emotion I was most looking forward to. More than understanding how I really was. Everyone knew it, but I wanted to experience it. I didn't want to, nor did I expect to, say, "Damn, I'm fine, let's go, I'm ready again." No, I just wanted to find myself doing what I was used to doing.
Did you change anything when you got back on your bike or did you use the same one as before?
I changed the cranks. I switched from the 172,5mm ones to the 170mm ones to try different sensations. This is the trend, and we've taken advantage of it. Now I'm still trying to figure it out: I've almost forgotten how I felt on a bike before! On one hand, it's a good thing; it's like starting from scratch. After all, even in the worst of times, there's always a small silver lining.
And now how will you proceed?
Gradually. My trainer finally started putting something on TrainingPeaks, so having a weekly schedule is already a great thing. Slowly, day by day, increasing the intensity, but always following your body's sensations. Perhaps with double sessions: gym in the morning and cycling in the afternoon, or vice versa.
What has Filippo Baroncini the man been up to lately? Have you found a hobby, read, watched TV series?
I'll tell you the truth, I was very focused on my mind, so I dedicated a lot of time to that, with sessions three or four times a week. I had my little dog, I read a few pages of Agassi's book. And then the PlayStation. Covi It was a novelty in the house!
Last time we did a piece with Gazzoli who greeted you on your return home. You said they wrote to you from time to time. And did any other riders come to visit you?
My friends from home came to visit me, the usual ones. Then all the team's managers, including president Matar Suhail, Matxin, Gianetti, some teammates like Covi. Even federal president Cordiano Dagnoni came. I was incredibly happy to see all these people who showed me so much support.
