She will leave nothing to chance to further raise the bar. Her eighteenth birthday was celebrated with her teammates. BFT Burzoni it was one of the last – pleasant and right – diversions before facing 2025 with a good attitude. Linda Sanarini has entered her second season as a junior to become "bigger" not only anagraphically (opening photo by Franz Piva).
We had left her as the protagonist of the home visit of the current Picnic-PostNL. Then at the ready-go, last year Saccolongo's Paduan had hit the target immediately confirming her credentials demonstrated by thegold obtained at EYOF 2023. Subsequently, the time came for Sanarini to wear shirts other than those of the club and collect international podiums. First the Italian tricolor won in the Italian time trial championship, then five overall medals on the track with the national team during the European Championships and the World Cup. And now his focus is on his own growth, even with some new developments.
Linda, how do you rate your first year as a junior?
2024 was a learning year, in which I understood the value of the category. On the road I honestly expected to do more, although I'm not complaining about the two successes I achieved. However, I always felt that something was missing to achieve the full result. For example, I helped my teammates well, willingly and without problems. In fact, I learned to work for others, improving myself. However, when I was supposed to do the race, I didn't have the same good feelings. I still think it's okay.
On the other hand, do you feel more satisfied on the track wearing the blue jersey?
I'm happy because in the national team we had a great team, just like in my team. I have to say that it was a good year on the track, even though I still feel bad about that omnium I lost by just 3 points at the European Championships in Cottbus.And even in the world omnium I wasn't very lucky because I fell in almost every event. It's true that I didn't get the gold, but If I think back I'm happy with the other four medals (silver in the Madison and bronze in the quartet at the European Championships, two bronzes between Madison and the quartet at the World Championships, ed.).
Meanwhile, how did the team's training camps go?
They went very well even though they had different purposes. From January 1st to 6th we were in Castagneto Carducci in Tuscany where we did a good amount of work. It was also the classic meeting point to get to know each other, given that we have changed so much. In addition to the new sports director Krizia (Corradetti(ed.), ten new teammates arrived, all first-year riders. Last weekend in Riva del Garda, however, we took advantage of the good weather by doing 3-4 hour rides with uphill tests. Personally I felt good sensations, especially uphill where I felt lighter, also because I started a course with a nutritionist.
For what reason?
First of all, I admit that on Saturday night for my birthday I brought a bottle of sparkling wine and a pistachio cheesecake, but without being late or breaking the rules (he says smiling, ed.). Jokes aside, Nobody forced me to go to a nutritionist, it was my own will.This season is very important for my future. If I do well, I'll be able to show off more and possibly aspire to go to certain teams. So I want to do everything I can to be ready and perform better. And above all, don't feel any regrets for not having tried.
This year, you'll be one of the BFT Burzoni veterans. What advice do you have for newcomers?
First of all, it's worth remembering that Camilla Bezzone also stayed on from last year. I can tell my other teammates not to try too hard to get results. They have to run calmly because the jump from the students is very noticeable. And I saw it on myself.However, in the retreats we've had, it was immediately clear that they care about doing well.
Given 2024, you'll be leaving with the rank of captain. Does that scare you or excite you?
I'm definitely motivated. I think the team will be important for us this year in every race. Even though we're made up of a lot of first-year girls, I think that along the way and race after race we will find the necessary affinities to perform well or get a resultBut be careful, it won't be easy for me either, as I'll have to do my part to integrate with my new classmates.
What goals has Linda Sanarini set for herself?
Certainly I will still do the dual road-track activity, but I've already told Masotti (the junior track coach, ed.) that I'll only be available after March, as my team wants. I'd like to do better than last year. On the road I aim to do well in Cittiglio, now that I feel more suited to the route. I'd like to reconfirm my place in the Italian time trial. With the national team, since the World Championships in Rwanda are tough, I would like to earn a call for the Europeans in France. Wearing the blue is always a great satisfaction. Let's say, however, that In general, I would like to be a point of reference for my classmates., as Asia Sgaravato was for me last year.
