With the company Tour of Tuscany, The Italian race series has just begun. Races that have made history, which had a huge impact on the national teams the city would field at the World Championships. These are traditional races: redemption for some, smiles for others who, all things considered, had had a good season. The atmosphere is unique, especially for the Italian riders.
This year, the first two on the list are the Giro di Toscana, precisely, and the Sabatini Cup. And to present them to us is Andrea Pasqualon. The standard bearer of Intermarche-Wanty Gobert He won in Peccioli in 2017 (opening photo, ed.) and did well in Tuscany last year: who better than him can guide us on this journey?
Sabatini: watch out for the final bend
«The Sabatini Cup – explains Pasqualon – It's a race that I really like. It's perfectly suited to my characteristics, with that final kilometer of climbing. It's for fast riders who can hold their own on climbs. It might also be that it comes at a time of the season when I'm usually in pretty good shape and it's easy for me to do well.
«The race essentially features two circuits. They recently introduced a very challenging climb into the first one, which was easier in the past. I imagine they did it at the request of Cassani, to make the race a little tougher. And I really think it will make itself felt in the finale.
Then you enter the final circuit. This is characterized by the climb that leads to the finish line (which continues a bit at various stages, since the finish line isn't exactly at the top). The key point? The bend leading to the final kilometer where the climb begins. It's important to have a team that can get you in a good position for this left-hander that comes after a long straight. If you fall behind there, you waste a lot of time trying to get back up the pace and you won't have enough energy for the sprint, where choosing the right moment is crucial."
High level
Pasqualon first said it was easy for him, but he was smiling when he told us. He explained that it's relatively easy, especially this year when there are so many World Tour teams at the start.
«If you go and look at the roll of honour of these races it gives you shivers and this year too the level is very high – says Pasqualon – The Deceuninck-Quick Step I saw that he has a squadron and the same Bahrain Victorious which will be all for ColbrelliThe race, in general, is very nervous so having a good team will be important."
Saying "Colbrelli" these days is like saying Leuven, the World Cup. These games are very important for the national team we'll see in Belgium. Colbrelli is banking heavily on it, and Sabatini, given the Belgian route, is an ideal testing ground... also to earn a spot.
"I spoke with Cassani," Pasqualon explains, "but nothing more. It's only right that he follows these races closely to play for his national team. For my part, I will do everything to be ready. If he were to call me it would be something special, but you have to earn it."
The Tour of Tuscany
From Peccioli, we move to Pontedera, about twenty kilometers further north. In reality it would be the opposite since in Pontedera the race is today and in Peccioli tomorrow, but anyway, that's the area.
«The Tour of Tuscany – says Pasqualon – It is undoubtedly tougher than the Sabatini Cup. For example, I will be helping the team today, while I will be the leader in Peccioli. The key point is Monte Serra. It's a real climb. Do it twice and it becomes tough. But a Colbrelli in form these days can handle it well. Usually, three or four riders arrive in front and a small group behind. The Serra is about twenty kilometers from the finish, five of which are downhill. evenepoel If he gets away, you might never catch him again. The finish is wide. There's only one right-hand bend, but it's not very close.
"Where is the team more important between these two races? In both races. But today, the team is always crucial. It allows you to be more relaxed and spend much less."
