Then it happens that one winter day, you find yourself having a long chat with Tatiana Guderzo, 2009 world champion, multiple Italian champion on road and track, winner of dozens of races… And with her, time passes quickly. Perhaps it's because her manner is kind and the topics are substantial.
Immersed in the blue jacket of the Blue Flames, Tatiana has the serene gaze and the words of someone who knows a lot. And it is precisely because of this "know-it-all" that we wanted to meet her and that we ended up in a bar in her neighborhood. Marostica.
Tatiana, while we wait for coffee, how much has cycling changed since you started?
You mean 20 years ago now! I joined in 2002… It's a completely different cycling style, in terms of structures, teams, and money, especially in recent years. The change is real. Today, even if you are not in a sports group, you can make a living from this sport. As someone who is more experienced, I can say that the Fiamme Azzurre were my fortune, otherwise I wouldn't have been able to have such a career. Today there are at least ten female athletes who earn over 100.000 euros a year. These numbers are incomparable to those of men, but they're a far cry from what they were ten years ago. I would have liked to move now, win what I've won, and live in another country: I would have had a different profile because women's cycling in Italy is growing, but the process is very slow and lengthy.
Why do you think this is? The UCI has worked well with the women's team, but did the overlap with the men's races also play a role?
Certainly the association with the men's races had an impact. It's not that there aren't sponsors for women's cycling, it's just that those who invest ask themselves: what return do I get? Since there's visibility and returns, sponsors come along.
Well, Eurosport, ESPN, even Rai, they do some great live broadcasts…
Yes, and I'm happy about it, but we're not even halfway there. And developing women's cycling is easier than men's. If you notice today, in any amateur group you meet on the street, there are at least two women. They're not many, but they're there.
And has life as an athlete changed in these almost 20 years? Among men, we see an obsessive, almost neurotic attention to detail. Is it the same for you women?
If an athlete's life has changed, it depends mostly on the individual. I'm on a good team, theAlé BTC Ljubljana, I have good materials, but we are not like the Trek-Segafredo, For example. They also have a men's team. The difference is huge. They're meticulous there, they have specific work methods. On my team, there's more freedom; they don't monitor us from 6 in the morning to 22 at night. I belong to an older generation. I came into cycling when there was hazing, respect for the team leaders and for those who had won the most: that's no longer the case. I won a world championship using cardio and pedal counter, I started using the potentiometer the following year. Today there are specific tools and methodologies. I trained by trying to imitate an athlete I liked. I often relied on BruseghinAfter meeting him at the 2004 World Championships. I liked his approach to cycling, his charisma, and everyone had faith in him. And if others have faith in him, it means he's the strongest. At least for me.
It may not be an extreme life, but we know that some girls plan their most intense workouts based on the hormonal peaks of their cycle…
True. There are studies that confirm this, but I admit I'm not familiar with them. In training and nutrition, I know what I need to do and where I need to get to. I know I have two months to go to a goal and that I need to reach that weight. Well, if I'm good, I'll get there in two months; if I'm less good, I'll lose useful days and have to do it in 50, 40... If it's true that it's the detail that makes the difference, I answer that in my case it's the mentality.
Let's talk about some of your colleagues, especially the younger ones. Let's start with Elena Pirrone, who in an interview praised your advice when you were on the national team in Innsbruck...
Elena, few girls are as strong as her. She's a very intelligent girl. However, among the elite, she hasn't yet shown her talent like she did among the juniors. But she's the cyclist I'd always want on my team. I like teaching and I can sense those who like learning. She is one of those who listens, but without influencing words, she evaluates what you say to her.
Let's get to the star, Letizia Paternoster...
Undisputed talent, Undisputed athleticism. He will be the national team's star athlete for years to come. But Letizia has a lot to prove. She has a lot of pressure on her, pressure I wouldn't wish on anyone, especially after this difficult year for her. He's a character and must be able to balance the athlete and the VIP. I hope it helps raise awareness of women's cycling.
Elisa Balsamo…
A handsome athlete. Intelligent, strong, and a key player in the national team. Elisa He gives you confidence in every aspect. He knows how to be a protagonist, but he also knows how to make himself available to the team. With her I also have the memory of the quartet's first Italian record. It was me, Elisa, the Paternoster and the ValsecchiTwo young women and two experienced women. And somehow Elisa and Silvia were the more serious ones, and Letizia and I were the more extroverted ones. I would take Elisa to the races even if she was at 50% of her condition because she would still be able to give me something more. He has an enormous spirit of sacrifice and often puts his heart and soul into everything he does.
And can he win a Giro d'Italia?
Not yet, but in two or three years… Elisa is a Van der Breggen. In my opinion, she should try an experience abroad, without taking anything away from Valcar, which has helped her grow and get to where she is. But in a WT team with a more precise path, she can do a lot. However, I see her more in the classics than in the Line of Business.
What can you tell us about the Fidanza sisters?
Martina I think he has more athletic ability than Arianna. I think she's found her habitat on the track. Arianna has shown more than positive signs in the last year and a half. She's moved up to the WorldTour and I'm curious to see her at the MitcheltonIt's a well-organized team with clearly defined roles, and this could give her confidence.
Let's move on to Marta Cavalli…
Marta She deserves admiration for her consistent performance this season, especially in WorldTour races. She's made a significant leap in quality. He can run and saves energy every penny. She's not as talented as Elisa or Letizia, but she's a fine athlete. She takes little risk, perhaps preferring the certainty of a fifth-place finish rather than losing everything just to try and win.
We move up in age and arrive at the other Elisa, Longo Borghini…
And what can I say about her? Very strong. It's Elisa!
Well, is there anything that can be improved?
The sprint! I always tell her that. A girl dedicated to sacrifice. Who knows how to suffer. She should learn from Cavalli to save some energy. I don't think she has much room for manoeuvre anymore. Maybe he can still improve something in the time trial.
Finally, here's someone (almost) your age: Marta Bastianelli, who is also a teammate at Alè...
A name that's a guarantee. This year he had several problems and it had nothing to do with the Marta two years ago. He's always hungry for victory. If you're out of energy, she'll make you come. Maybe she'll scream while running, and you'll inevitably wake up! She's won practically everything, she's 33, she has a family, and the question she's asked is: why would you still do this? During training camp, you'd see her calling home to check on her daughter; it's not easy. Instead, she approaches every race with the hunger of a young woman and incredible determination. Marta knows what she wants and how to get it. She wants to win in her own way and doesn't give up. She has a maturity and confidence that's evident. And what a laugh. If we're together, I say to her: "Hey, today I have to go slow for two hours." She replies: "Don't worry." We'll go home having done two and a half at full speed. And the best part is, you might even have had fun.
