In life, you always need a backup plan. She's convinced of that. Francesca Barale which from 2022 will however be committed to pursuing the "plan A", recently refreshed by some good news: the hiring by the Team DSM for the next two seasons.
The junior class of 2003 in force at Vo2 Team Pink of Piacenza will move up to the elite level in the German WorldTour team with a Dutch license and soul (they are headquartered at the A1 Business Park in Deventer in the Netherlands) but are currently focused on European Championships in Trento with the national team where he competed in the time trial this morning, while on Friday he will run the road race, with the hope of doing well.
Let's start right here. Francesca, you're the Italian time trial champion, but the road race circuit seems more suited to you. What are your ambitions for the European Championships?
Honestly I wasn't counting too much on the time trial which was all flat and in which I've been a bit inconsistent or not always competitive throughout the year. But everything is always uncertain... Instead I feel more ready and prepared for Friday's race, on a path that suits my characteristics.
In June he won the Italian time trial in Faenza The gold medal means the tricolour jersey
In June he won the Italian time trial in Faenza The gold medal means the tricolour jersey
Let's now comment on your move to Team DSM.
I'm really happy about this signing. In fact, I was already happy before, just because of their interest. I have to thank my team that allowed me to compete outside of Italy and let me show off. (in May he took part in the Tour du Gevaudan d'Occitanie, a round of the Nations Cup for juniors, collecting two second places in stages and second place in the general classification, ed.).
How did the contact with the Dutch come about?
Its after those placings in France some interests began, but nothing serious. Just surveys, like many teams do. Then We started negotiating at the beginning of July and in August I made the decision.
Why did you choose their proposal?
I liked them right away, I had a good impression right from the startThey have a young team, but already with a fair amount of experience, a good mix. They are organized, precise, I'm a bit like that too.Then their interest and the program convinced me. I saw them very similar to me in many ways and this made me choose them definitively.
Speaking of plans, you'll be graduating high school next year. How will you balance this with your commitments at DSM? Will you be moving abroad?
No, I'll stay in Italy. Or rather, I will have some freedom until the exams, then I will dedicate myself totally to themIn autumn and spring I will not have to stay on retreat in Holland, except for a few short periods. in view of the Northern races in which I will take partUntil then I'll have a rather relaxed schedule, then more intense after graduation.
At school, however, you shouldn't have any problems getting good grades; we know you're good and do very well.
Yes, that's true even though I attend a scientific high school, which is therefore demanding. However, I am keen to get top marks because I also want to enroll in university., perhaps choosing organic or health-related addresses. You always need to have a “plan B” ready in addition to cycling..
What do you expect to find on Team DSM? Do you already know any of your future teammates?
I don't know what to expect, beyond the organization I mentioned earlier. I'll find out for myself, and I'll be very happy to do so. The only girl I know a little, because she is a 2003 like me and because we raced against each other in national teams is Elise Uijen, who won the European time trial last year.
You've probably talked to a few people about this move. What were their opinions?
Discordant. Some people told me that by making this choice I risk burning myself, others instead that I did the right thing., because I will be able to grow and gain high-level experience.
And what do your parents say?
They took it well, they were and are in favor. In fact, they strongly supported this hiring.
In closing, you're yet another Italian girl moving abroad to join foreign teams. How do you see this? Is it a trend or is it a good thing?
No, it's not a fad, more so an almost obligatory step for growth, not only as an athlete but as a personIt's a human experience that will shape me greatly, because I'll be starting from scratch in some respects. In foreign teams, there's a less provincial mentality, if you'll pardon the expression. It depends on each of our personalities, but I think it's good for us to get out of our comfort zone., which is good as long as you're a junior, necessarily. Then you have to try to live in another dimension.
