She's a girl who knows what she wants. She also knows that to make the next step, she must leave nothing to chance. She too has ended up in the notebooks of the WorldTour team scouts. Now, however, she's dealing with a compound fracture of her collarbone, the result of a crash yesterday in the Vittorio Veneto open race. Despite everything, this year Greta Marturano However, it has raised its bar and is ready to make the leap forward. (in the opening photo Ossola).
«I have to stay still with the brace for five days – the 24 year old updates us Top Girls Fassa Bortolo – Then I'll take another X-ray to make sure the fracture hasn't moved. If it's displaced, they'll have to operate. Now the goals are a bit different. Let's hope for the best but I'm confident».
This stoppage is a real shame, as the climber from Mariano Comense was in good form, confirming the continued growth she's seen, especially over the past two seasons. She was coming off a series of placings. at the Tour Féminin des Pyrénées at the beginning of August where she finished fourth overall Just two seconds behind a podium entirely composed of Team WT athletes. This small gap certainly doesn't diminish her performance. We sat down with her to hear what's happened so far—injury aside—and what's in store for her in the future.
Greta in France you did well on your own ground.
Yes, I'd say so. I really wanted to do well because they were courses that suited me. Naturally there is regret for that third place finish that slipped away by a hair's breadth. I thought a lot about where I lost those two seconds or where I could have gained them. But that's okay, because I know I rode well. I had a good feeling. Initially, we started with two leaders: Alessia Vigilia and I. Then, in the second half of the first day, I caught the right breakaway. There were five of us, and the overall standings basically took shape right away. Thanks to the team, I managed to maintain the top positions until the end.
What can you tell us about your vintage?
It's a very positive season despite the fall. I grew month after monthResult after result, I gained confidence. July and August have been two very good months so far. I left the Giro Donne with good legs and good recovery which allowed me to achieve a series of results. I also achieved two third-place finishes in the open races in Levada and Tarzo. I missed out on victory, however. I honestly didn't think I would make this mental and physical leap.
Marturano is comfortable on French roads. Here in Chambery, where he finished sixth (photo by Zoe Soullard) Marturano is a climber but also has a good speed in small groups (photo Ossola) Greta Marturano competing in the opening time trial of the Giro Donne
Here in Chambery where Marturano finished in 6th position (photo Zoe Soullard) Marturano is a climber but also has a good sense of humor (photo Ossola) Greta Marturano competing in the opening time trial of the Giro Donne
What is the reason for this leap?
Two years ago I started a journey with a mental coach. Marino Rosti who collaborates with AstanaHe follows me very well. I needed to unblock myself mentally. I didn't believe in myself anymore and I was struggling in running naturallyThanks to him, I now have more self-esteem even though we have to finish our journey. Since then I decided to do things more seriously.I thought about how I've been running since I was a G1, how I've dedicated my life to cycling. And so I also relied on other specialists.
Tell us about it.
On a physical level it prepares me Fabio Baronti of the CTF LabHe helped me a lot athletically. I was already methodical in my training, but with him I learned how to be more methodical, optimizing my work. From a nutritional point of view, I am followed by Laura Martinelli, who works with BikeExchange-JaycoI also get along great with her, I've learned a lot. Naturally, I thank all three of them because together they helped me make a significant leap forward physically and mentally. If you really want to become a rider you have to make some sacrifices.
What do you still need to improve on?
On the descents and in the lead positions. Sometimes in the race I wasted too much energy trying to get to the front before a climb. But I made great progress. In this she was of enormous help to me. Tatiana GuderzoHe gave me so many tips.. As Alessia already said (Vigil, ed.), she was truly helpful and invaluable to us young people.
With these performances, have you ever thought about the national team?
Obviously the goal of all Italian women is to be able to wear the blue jersey. I have never spoken to coach Sangalli, but I hope he noticed me.So far, I've always tried to stand out wherever I could. I know I can always do better, and I'll work to improve.
It's been rumored that you're about to move up to the WorldTour. Do you feel ready?
At the moment there is the possibility of going to some foreign team in 2023. I have had contact with a team, but we are evaluating, because in the meantime my agent (Lorenzo Carera, ed.) has received new requests after the race in the Pyrenees and we're discussing them. Naturally, I'd like to go to the WorldTour. I would enter on tiptoe, willing to learn and put myself at the service of the team and the leaders.Now in Top Girls I don't have too much pressure. Lucio (Rigato, the team manager, ed.) is aware of everything and will be happy if I manage to find a job in the higher category. He helped me a lot, and after four years I can consider myself ready for the stress that comes with working in the bigger teams. Let's hope so. In the meantime, though, I'd like to heal this shoulder injury quickly.
