SCHWAZ (Austria) – The stage winner held a press conference Juan Pedro Lopez placeholder image He responded to a question by saying that he wanted to follow "the Bardiani boy" because he saw that, compared to Bardet's less convinced attempt, he was immediately making a difference. The reference to the Andalusian from Lidl-Trek (the new leader of the Tour of the Alps) è per Giulio Pellizzari, set off with determination on the double-digit gradients of the Pillberg climb less than 30 kilometers from the end.
The twenty-year-old from Camerino sits down next to the railing of a small bridge just after crossing the finish line, first placing his hands on his face and then resting his arms on his knees. A half-smile gradually appears on his face as he thinks back on what he's just accomplished. The regret of second place is mixed with the satisfaction of having jumped in everyone's face and having created a vacuum.Pellizzari's performance, on a day that was more wintry than spring-like in climate, showed another dose of personality. And Lopez's words about him become a beautiful expression of esteem.
Better than a year ago
Al Tour of the Alps of 2023, Pellizzari had obtained a third place In Predazzo, after a long breakaway on a day very similar to yesterday. Rain, cold, wind, and the final descent had affected him. This time the placing is better, but the joy is not only for that.
«Honestly, it was a crazy race – says the climber of the VF Group Bardiani CSF Faizanè – At one point I didn't even know there was one in front of me Ganna all alone with a large lead that had set the stage. In the first part of the stage, I only thought about not getting too cold, holding on as long as possible, and not giving up. I was looking forward to the climbs because I knew there would be a selection and I could warm up.Last year I was freezing, but today (yesterday, for those reading this, editor's note) less so, although my hands were very cold. In that respect, I've improved.
«Compared to last year's stage – he continues – This has another value because I attacked in the group of the best. I think I've grown quite a bit since then. Roberto (Reverberi, the general manager, ed.) initially told me to stay calm over the radio from the team car. Then, seeing that I was fine, he encouraged me, pointing out the gaps. I'm happy with this second place. It means a lot to me in terms of awareness.»
A WorldTour action
Pellizzari's name has been on the minds of WorldTour teams for a long time. Rumors are swirling that he's already engaged to one of these teams. He understandably glosses over the subject; now he has to think about the shirt he wears, in the team that made him a professional. But his actions weren't about showing off, but about making a mark. That's not his primary goal now.
«I have a problem – he confides to us smiling – that is that When I'm well, it shows. I attack because I like to attack. I found myself there and I saw that the others were gasping., so I told myself it was time. I took the risk, I thought it was half-suicide, but in reality I had nothing to lose.
«When Lopez came back to me – he continues – I was honestly happy. We talked and helped each otherHe was competing for the overall lead and was pushing hard on the climbs. After all, he was the pink jersey at the Giro for ten days, and it wasn't by chance. We were both looking for our first pro win and maybe I found him on his best day.Lopez finally attacked after I asked him to take over. I immediately wanted to follow him, but I preferred to manage my pace since there were still a few kilometers to go. I was hoping it would stick to the hardest spots, but it was simply stronger than me.. In any case, I'm pleased with what he said about me."
Looking short term
There's a "TotA" to complete with the same determination shown in the first three stages, and a strong stimulus could come from the one starting in a few hours. Then the spotlight will be on the Corsa Rosa.
«Tomorrow (today for those who read, ed.) – he tells us with a hint of emotion – I almost run home because my girlfriend (Andrea Casagranda of BePink-Bongioanni, who ran on the same day in the frost of the Fleche Wallonne, finishing in 95th place, ed.) is from Borgo ValsuganaI'm often up there when we're both away at the races. Maybe he could get back from Belgium in time for the final stage, hopefully. That's why, as I was telling you before, I didn't want to retire!
Giulio is in love with the Tour of the AlpsSomeone told him that he has the right characteristics to do well in the classics like Amstel or Liège, but as long as the “TotA” is in this period he would like to always race here.
«Now I am in the rankings – concludes Pellizzari – and I will fight to defend the top 10Also because I hadn't done much so far this season, so I had to send out a signal. So far, the preparation process is going according to plan. Looking ahead to the Giro, my legs are good, but I'll go to cover a few stages. I don't make any distinctions, any one will do (he says smiling, ed.). Here at Tour of the Alps There are nine WorldTour teams, and at the Giro there will be double that, so it will be more difficult to do what I'm doing here. On Sunday the 21st I'll race the Giro di Romagna, then I'll go to high altitude on Etna before returning to Turin for the Giro. We'll see what happens."
