Il Liberation Grand Prix It's… the Liberation Grand Prix. Perhaps among amateurs, only the world championship has more value. And it is no coincidence that it is nicknamed the “spring world championship”. It is a race that shines with its own light, one of the few known to the general public even if it is amateur and desired by every rider who has run in the U23 category. The roll of honor includes champions who answer to the name of Gianni Bugno, just to name a few…
Global resonance
And this splendid race, after two seasons of sad "silence," will be held again. The date, of course, is April 25th. The last to raise his arms to the sky, or rather his bike, was Alessandro Fedeli.
«The Liberazione is a very, very important race at amateur level – explains Fedeli – There are few U23 races that remain in your memory. Recioto Palio It's getting close, but if you win the Liberazione, you'll go down in history, and it's a shame it hasn't been held in recent seasons. Unfortunately, cycling struggles to find sponsors, at least in Italy. I run to the Dello in a French team and here cycling (teams and races, ed.) he is supported by the state. And it's a shame because we have the important races. Foreigners come to Italy to race: Capodarco, Liberazione..."
An absurd attack
"Winning it was important for me," Fedeli continues. "That year I won three international competitions, including the Liberazione. And usually, whoever wins that goes on to play pro. Plus, having relatives from Rome, I also felt it more.
«That day I wasn't thinking about winning. I was coming from the victory in Collecchio: I was satisfied and calm. Then instead it was a hard-fought and tough race, not controlled as usually happens, which would have led to a sprint. I still remember the attack. It happened three, maybe four, laps from the finish. I was already in the breakaway with other riders, and shortly after crossing the finish line, on the Cipressi climb (Caracalla area, ed.), the curve went to the right. I moved out to the left. I saw that they weren't following me, so I insisted."
At this point, Fedeli pulls off a real feat. Running four laps alone at the Liberazione is a rare feat, especially if it's the final laps!
Fedeli's Liberation Day eve was, without knowing it, perfect. He hadn't specifically prepared for the Roman event, yet he had arrived at his best.
"I hadn't done anything special. To be fast, I have to run. Over the winter, I'd prepared well at home, building a good base. Then the racing started, and that's when the form kicked in. To really hit the gas, I have to run. And I had competed a lot, so I had arrived in Rome in top form. Then, as I said, the route and the race were good for my characteristics."
Faithful like Gilbert?
Yes, but what are Fedeli's characteristics?
«I like a route that isn't too tough – concludes Fedeli – but with a challenging race (a tactic, ed.). A Amstel Gold Race, it may be suitable for me. If I'm feeling good, I know how to make the most of the opportunity. I'm a rouleur-climber, but take both the rouleur and the climber with a pinch of salt! Let's just say I excel over the distance, which is also why I'd like to ride a great Giro. Many of the races I've won have been the final stages of stage races. That was the case at the Tour du Limousine in Croatia, and in the Val d'Aosta as an amateur. Who do I compare myself to? Gilbert, proportions kept. I like those riders who aim for the big races."
