It will be there Isolmant-Premac-Vittoria by Giovanni Fidanza the team that will welcome Frances Baroni e Gaia Realini, two of the strongest Italian cyclocross specialists, among the elite road racers. But while the former will be turning 22 and is already physically more mature, the Abruzzese is two years younger and has even more to go. The singular aspect of Baroni's arrival at the court of the Bergamo native is that the idea was Mario Cipollini's.
“Mario is always very helpful with me,” Francesca explained. “He rides his bike on the same roads as me and we often meet up. Knowing that I was looking for a team, he put me in touch with his friend Fidanza and so…».
Debut in Loano
“Fido” confirms and meanwhile works to get the season underway, which will start on the 20th with a video presentation, will continue on the 27th February in Loano with the actual debut and will go ahead with a retreat up to the Strade Bianche.
«I knew Francesca – he says – because she is the same age as my daughter Martina, so I've always seen her for the last two years, even if in the last few months it has grown a lot compared to its rivals, at Casasola for example. She's shown great talent in cross-country. I had the opportunity to follow her at the Giro Rosa. And although it was tough, she finished in peak condition.
Do you think they will continue with cross-country?
It's not that I think so, I'm sure of it. When they signed the contract, both of them made this a condition, so their season was designed around this. The agreement also states that will continue to work with Guerciotti, with whom they have always collaborated. But beyond this, I like that they do more disciplinesEven abroad, the strongest racers race practically all year round, planning their events carefully.
Isn't 12 months of activity too long?
It is obvious that by doing the cross, on the road you can't do an 8 month program. For this reason, both Francesca and Gaia Realini will do a good start to the season, trying to take advantage of the cross-country condition. Then, you get to the Binda Trophy of Cittiglio, they will stop for reschedule the preparation until the Italian championships at the end of June and the Giro Rosa July. These are the most important races for us.
And the season finale?
From my point of view and from what we said, from August onwards they will resume work in view of the cross.
Even if the World Cup is in Flanders?
What happens next remains to be seen. It's true that they're used to great efforts, but they're young. Nobody rules anything out, but let's see.
Will Francesca Baroni continue to work with Pino Toni on the street too?
Yes, it would be pointless to change. If she's comfortable and confident, especially if she's reached a certain level with him, there's no need to overturn her habits.
What about Realini?
Gaia also has her trainer, who is Francesco MasciarelliIt is important that they maintain their points of reference, with the understanding that meet with the team and agree on work paths.
Can you imagine what margins both have?
They are young, they need to be put to the test. Francesca gives the impression of being more powerful, but even Gaia, who is so tiny, has so much strength.I saw her last year at the Giro delle Marche and in the hardest stage she moved really well. For both of them there is the security of a team that has 3 years of sponsorship guaranteedThe sponsors are passionate and they entered the company to make it grow, allowing me to take care of the technical side well and to lead this group of girls forward.
Resistance to multi-discipline usually starts with experienced sports directors like you…
I, on the other hand, have a different vision of cycling, perhaps because as a cyclist I have always done track cycling. And I gave it up when I started doing the Giro, the Tour, and the classics. And because in Italy there wasn't a covered track for years, otherwise I would still have gone in the winter. One year I also did the Master Cross, organized by Antonio Saronni, Giuseppe's brother. It was in the winter between 1988 and 1989, because then I turned professional and I remember that I immediately felt at easeLet's say that as a pro I gave up a bit, because we raced in teams of 16 riders and did up to 100 races a year. Today it's easier to plan, in all categories, knowing that Cross-country and track are also useful for the road. Certain efforts you make in racing, you can't match in training.. And so the condition increases.
