Next season will be a relaunch for many athletes. One of these will be Katia Ragusa, ready to dive into the beginning of a new cycling lifeThe 24-year-old from Vicenza, San Giorgio di Perlena, leaves AR Monex Women's cycling's Pro Cycling for move on to Liv Racing Xstra, with whom he signed a two-year contractIn the Dutch team, the 2020 Italian vice-champion – who is finishing her holiday period – will also find Rachele Barbieri e Sports Director Giorgia Bronzini.
Katia, you're starting a new adventure next year. What's your first impression?
I'm happy to join this WorldTour team, for me it's definitely a leap in qualityI believe I have the means to take the next step I'm missing. I may not be able to do it right away, but in the meantime, I've put myself in a position to do it later.
How did the contact with the Dutch team develop?
Around mid-season, more or less around the women's Giro d'Italia. Luckily I got in touch with Giorgia (Bronzini, ed.) who took me into consideration after she was reaching an agreement with the team. He asked me if he could give my name and that's where it all started..
Bronzini believed in you…
I have always respected her both as an athlete and as a sports director. Having someone like her at our side and in the flagship means a lotI'm convinced he'll be able to give us something more from every point of view: human, athletic, and tactical.
What role do you think you have?
In 2022 I would like to experience a season of redemption. I just closed a very low-key year from the point of view of my expectations.I don't pretend to be the leading rider of a WorldTour team and I'm aware of that, but if there is an opportunity to carve out my own space I will gladly do so. First of all I want to find an optimal physical condition.
You could plan to race both the Giro and the Tour in July at your peak form…
We'll finalize the calendar in December, but obviously I'd like to race both. Based on my experiences, I have always finished the Tours on a high.I think back to 2020, when a week after the end I was in Imola at the World Championships supporting Elisa (Longo Borghini, who finished third, ed.). Personally, I'm not aiming for the overall standings, but to stay ahead you have to be healthy. So, despite all the unknowns, for me it is possible to do both one and the other.
You mentioned redemption earlier. Why?
Last year, with Covid, I had, paradoxically, achieved good results. Fifteenth at the Giro, which meant a lot to me (her best finish, ed.). Then a call-up to the World Championships and second place in the Italian championship. I came from BePink, I had new stimuli and a better physical maturityI had been running a lot between Australia and Spain until the end of February before the lockdown, and it had helped me even after the lockdown. It seemed like a good omen for 2021.
Instead?
I left with many expectations, but something didn't click. The winter preparation didn't go well, I was chasing the best shape in training and in competitionSome team dynamics weren't optimal either. I should have raced the Giro, but at the last minute I didn't. Then there was also the chase for a spot in the Olympics, which had an impact. I had to and wanted to show up, but I wasn't good enough.In short, 2021 was a season to forget.
Has your dream of going to Tokyo faded? Have you lost your motivation?
An athlete must be honest with herself when she knows she is not in shape. I knew I didn't deserve the call-up and it was absolutely right.I learned I was no longer a candidate in May. The season was going badly, so in July I took a week off completely to recharge my batteries. However, in those days I made contact with Liv, and it was a great comfort. I tried to finish 2021 in the best way possible and see the positive sides.
In 2022, you'll be in your seventh year as an elite player. How would you rate your career so far?
I'd give myself a seven. Being still quite young and knowing the category well is a strong point to exploitSince my first year I had the opportunity to gain experience in WorldTour races. I know I'm not a top rider, but I have always grown up. And now I'm already focused on 2022.
