His credit with misfortune has now accrued incalculable interest. At least in relation to the short period in which it developed. Alessandro Fancellu (opening in action at the Gran Camino) from April 2021 to today he has run very little.
Last season, he was hampered by physical problems in the spring and an accident in September. This year, when everything seemed to be back under control, he tested positive for Covid twice just before his debut in Spain. Circumstances that undermine the confidence of seasoned athletes, let alone a 21-year-old. And yet The Eolo-Kometa climber has character and is ready to set off again with renewed optimism.
We track down Fancellu while returning from a photo shoot at the company of one of his training sponsors. From his voice we immediately understand that he has a great desire to run, or rather to work hard. And that his upcoming competitive calendar is particularly stimulating.
Alessandro, first of all, how are you?
It's better now, I've been training again for a while now. It wasn't easy though.I tested positive for Covid for the first time on the eve of my debut at the Tour of Antalya (February 10-13, where in 2020 he achieved third place overall, 4" behind the winner, ed.). I didn't have any symptoms, just a little tiredness. Then, when I tested negative, I was able to race the Gran Camino in Galicia (February 24-27, ed.), but upon my return I contracted Covid again. This time it weakened me much more and it took me longer to recover.
From a moral point of view, have you had any repercussions?
A little, yes, maybe that's what I suffered the most. Imagine. I hadn't run for ten months, I'd trained well, I was incredibly eager, and then it happens like this. It got me down, but luckily the team helped me a lot. Stefano Zanatta (the sports director, ed.) cheered me up, we spoke every day. And also Low and Contador called me to comfort me.
At this point, you're ready to go again. What will your schedule be?
I'm running the Milan-Turin tomorrow. Then in Florence the Per Semper Alfredo and in Larciano the Gp Industry (respectively March 20th and 27th, ed.). Finally I should do the Tour of Sicily (April 12-15, ed.) and Tour of the Alps (April 18-22, ed.). In these races I could play for a call-up for the Tour of Italy, but it's obviously too early to tell. We'll see what my plans are for the second half of the season later. Now I'm focused on the upcoming races.
It's like starting the preparation from scratch...
More or less, yes. I struggled in the Spanish race to get into the right rhythm. Now I know I'll have to suffer the same amount (he laughs, ed.). But Starting from an important race like the Milan-Turin gives you a boost seeing the participants. Races like this are very motivating.
Unfortunately, you haven't raced much with Eolo-Kometa. How are you feeling?
Very good. I think this is the right size for me. It's the right training to growIn recent years, it has made a name for itself and has shown that it can race well, as well as win some great races. My teammates also showed up in every stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico and were key players (Davide Bais wore the green jersey for two days, ed.). Naturally, thanks to these results, We are all happier and we perform better both in training and in competitions.
Where can we see the best Fancellu? What are your goals?
I hope to be able to show off my skills soon, because that would mean I'm back in top form. Luckily, it's March, so there's plenty of time to race, though it's too early to say what results I might achieve and where. My main goal this season is to find the best sensations again After a very difficult last year, I feel like I'm on the right path.
