VAL DI ZOLDO – «Today I had to try to catch the breakaway – says Zana – but it's not that easy. I did it and the top-ranked teams gave us space, because we weren't scary. So I tried to play my cards right, and it went very well. It's a dream come true and I also think it's a starting point. This is the first year that I prepare well Line of Business and I have to thank the team and Marco Pinotti, who gave me the opportunity to be here and to get here at 100 percent."
He dreamed of a victory like this as a child, and perhaps that's why his voice cracks as soon as he starts talking about it. Now suddenly the memories line up. When Amadori deployed him as leader at the Tour de l'Avenir of 2021 and placed Marco Frigo alongside him, who helped him achieve third place overall. Also the 2022 victory in the Adriatica Ionica Race it turns into a small step necessary to grow. Then the tricolour won sprinting past Rota and Battistella, with the same arm gesture e the World Cup as a reserve. Nothing ever happens by chance.
A new Zana
Mount Pelmo dominates and somehow overwhelms the arrival, giving the scene the majesty it deserves. The shy Zana of the early days in the new team has given way to a confident athleteWe had already noticed it this morning when leaving Oderzo. Before talking about it with Brent Copeland, then when we asked him for a chat and we noticed the care in everything. The tricolor body, the polished bike and the full, toned leg contrasting with the slim torsoBut above all, the confidence in his voice, after days of hard, concrete work.
It's the thin one difference between having a goal (in this case to pull for a leader) and having to look for it every day. A Jayco-AlUla He's found a direction. He's grown, designing a new self from the excellent foundation he built at Bardiani. And if he's managed to win today, it's thanks to his talent, certainly, but also to the many improvements he's made in these first few months.
After arriving, you shouted "Yes" a thousand times, even once on the radio: what exploded at that moment?
Has been My thanks to the whole team who did so much for me, from the program aimed at preparation. I never thought I would get to my first year in the WorldTour with these results.We've made many sacrifices, but seeing them realized is something else.
Pinot tried everything to detach you…
And I followed him every time. I was fine, I'm fine. I thought if he had more, he would have left me there. I stayed on the wheel, made a few changes and went towards the sprint.
Did you know you were faster?
The truth? I thought he was faster, but I thought maybe he was tired and had struggled too. I don't know what gear I sprinted in, I don't even remember if I lost any teeth. I gave it my all. I turned around. I saw I had won.And everything exploded…
How different is it to race the Giro d'Italia with a clear goal, rather than trying to break away every day?
Until yesterday we were already doing a good Giro, high morale for everyone, so there is a lot of motivation. Now it will be even better. I really like having a leader, I really like helping him. I think that by doing this, things come even easier. and today we had proof of it.
In fact, you had never worked for a captain before…
In fact, it's all new to me, though. I'm really happy with it, they're making me grow a lot and I'm really happy.
Can winning like this at the end of the third week give us hope that the progress will continue?
Well, I really hope so.
The other day on Bondone, Dunbar asked you to go a little less…
We talked about it. I had gone on the run and then I pulled for 2-3 kilometers, he had to get to the top, so it's different. Now we have a good fourth place to defend, maybe even to improve and so certainly Tomorrow morning we'll go running with a knife between our teeth and we'll see what we can do.
What does it feel like to wear this tricolor jersey on the streets and what does it feel like to have won it today?
It's exciting. It's great to have a lot of fans on the streets, it's a sign that distinguishes you. I really feel the affection of the people.
You've often talked about your passion for horses, chopping wood, and being in the countryside.
I have this passion for agriculture (smiles, ed.). Ten years ago with some prize money earned in competitions as a youngster, I bought my own horse and when I'm at home it's my passion. In short, a little entertainment to also have something else off the bike that will take my mind off things a bitIt's a passion that maybe one day could become a job. We'll see. In the meantime, however, we try to make our cycling career last as long as possible.I think this is one of the best days of my life.
This morning you had to break away, and you did. Did racing on your home roads motivate you?
In the meeting on the bus they explain to us the points where we need to be a little careful. We tell each other what we should do, everyone has their say. But then during the stage it always happens that things change, however Knowing the route was an added valueThe advantage of running on roads I've traveled many times, combined with having good legs...
