The running-in phase of Eleonora Camilla Gasparrini it lasted the space of a few races. On the stones of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad was already ahead of unloading watts and horsepower, although by then the peloton had been caught by a couple of brave breakaway riders. And on Saturday, the Strade Bianche Women's cycling will be racing for the first time.
The sixth place of the Turin team UAE Team ADQ in the Belgian WorldTour classic, which traditionally opens the Northern campaign, came after a couple of good placings in the Spanish races at the beginning of 2025, but above all He arrived with the rank of co-captain among the big gunsAnd it was precisely the strange development of the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad that prompted us to hear from Gasparrini about the rest of this part of the season.
Eleonora, how did the first races go?
I ran between Mallorca and Valencia for a total of seven days between late January and mid-February. I'm satisfied with how things went and with the results I got (two top 10s and a top 5, ed.). I needed them to get into race rhythm. The goal was to be in shape for March and I'd say we're on track. I'm happy because I finished on a high, both for the feeling and for the atmosphere in the team.
At Het Nieuwsblad, however, the peloton miscalculated, giving too much space to the breakaway riders, so much so that two of them made it to the finish line. A situation rarely seen in races of that caliber. What happened?
Honestly, I have to say I didn't understand how the race unfolded either. The breakaway started immediately, and we expected it, but within a short time they had built up a huge lead. I can say that on paper we at UAE we were not the team responsible for closingIt was clear that the burden fell to SD Worx and FDJ-Suez, certainly the two teams most likely to win the race with Wiebes and Vollering (fifth and third respectively at the finish, ed.).
Was it difficult for you to reach an agreement with the other teams?
At a certain point when we saw that no one was taking the initiative, we of the UAE we asked the other teams if they would help us organize a more effective pursuitMany told us they would do so as long as everyone participated. The fact is, time passed and escape seemed increasingly unattainable.
In the end, you significantly reduced the gap, but too late. What were those last few kilometers like, and how did you manage them?
We started pushing hard and all together with about 50 kilometers to go, but even if you always go "in a block", you can't finish ten minutes late. At that point, however, all plans were ruined. The usual battle began as if there was no one ahead. They were frenetic moments, especially because we really raised the pace significantly to take the lead at the “Muur” (Grammont or Kapelmuur, ed.). Personally I felt good and in the last few kilometers I had very good feedback.
What's on your calendar now?
I will run the Italian block with Strade Bianche, Binda Trophy and Sanremo Women's cyclingAfter that, I'll spend a few days at home and then head back up north, where I'll race Flanders, the Brabantse Fläche, and the Amstel. Then we'll see about the rest of the races later.
What role will Eleonora Camilla Gasparrini have in the three Italian races?
The captain will be Longo Borghini, while Silvia (Perch, ed) and I will be supportive, but still ready to be alternative arrowsWe're showing up with a solid team. There are many teammates who are doing well, and I'm sure we'll do well.
With Longo Borghini, is the tactical approach different?
Elisa's presence certainly gives us tactical guarantees, but above all it instills serenity. Last year, we were under pressure; we were quite passive. With her we understood that we can take the initiativeShe's a girl who motivates you a lot, who gives you an extra boost and her arrival, as I already said, made us take a step forward. In Siena I will run my first race with ElisaI can't wait to do it to see how it goes and to be able to help her.
