«I had never thought about gravel until this year, then in April I received a proposal from the organizers of the Monsterrando, but looking at the calendar it didn't seem so feasible to me. At the beginning of August they came back to the fore. I saw that Sunday was free and said yes. That's how my debut began.». Words by Alice Maria Brawls, who showed up at the start of the Italian stage of the World Series as a complete neophyte and from a complete neophyte I returned home with a resounding success, especially considering how it arrived.
Leaving together with the men
«After the Tour I wanted to concentrate on the road, but as I said Sunday was free and I don't hide the fact that I was very curious to tackle this world that so many people talk aboutSo I thought I'd give it a try. It's a mix of road and cyclocross, two disciplines I love, so I had a great time.
The basic idea was to start strong and stay the course for the 152 kilometers. Starting with the men also plays a significant role in the tactics. I told myself that I had to keep a high pace while being careful not to overrev, so I had to find wheels suitable for my purposeAfter about twenty kilometers I was already alone, speaking with regards to the women's classification, so at that point I just had to implement the plan I had previously established."
The experience in cyclocross
In the end, Arzuffi closed by handing over to her opponents gaps of old times: the Polish specialist Karolina Migon finished at 5'44”, Elena Cecchini at 7 minutes, for the others it is enough to say that only 8 kept the gap under an hour… Regardless of the outcome, for the cyclist from Giussano it was still an enlightening experience: «It's not very easy, contrary to what one might think it's a specialty closer to cyclocross than to road racing due to its intensity., because like on the meadows, in simple terms "if you have it, go". The speeds are not very high, perhaps also because the Monsterrato had a good difference in altitude».
The team, the Ceratizit-WNT was he in favor of her participation? «Let's say they didn't hinder her, always fearing some fall, an injury that can always happen.The fact is that now I've got a certain desire to try again..."
Now European and (maybe) World
Will we see Alice again in the title races, starting with the European Championships?I'll definitely do the continental race, we'll see how it goes and then we'll decide about the world championships, but given the results, I'd like to give it a try, especially since no specific training is necessary, at least for me. I'm continuing my road racing, and that's also helpful with this shift toward off-road racing."
Knowing her past, one wonders if this experience is rekindling her desire to try her hand at cyclocross: "No, there's no danger, that's a closed chapter. Not because I don't like it anymore, but my road activity requires maximum concentration especially in winter preparationThis year, by dedicating myself to training without distractions, I've seen a huge improvement in my overall performance, unlike the previous two, where I started the road calendar without having rested and then paid the price. I need to unwind; my body is asking for it."
Specific preparation? No need...
Coming to road racing, how has the season been so far? "I'd say it's been positive. I'm finally coming off a good Tour de France, which I approached with physical strength I haven't seen in at least six years. I always remained in the leading positions, I finished in 20th place, but even before that things had gone well, with a few top 10 finishes, a very positive overall performance in the classics working for my teammates, and a good final placing in the Giro as well. Now Romandie awaits me, and I hope to continue on the same wavelength."
Do you plan any specific training for the European and World Championships? «No, also I arrived at Monsterrato without any preparation, the road gives you what you needFrom what I've seen, gravel follows the lead of road racing, adding those characteristics linked to the specific technique of cyclocross, which is why I like it a lot. Let's say that in some ways it's also similar to running, perhaps because unlike other disciplines it involves sharing the start with the men, which certainly influences the race setup."
Road racers and that little something extra
Do road cyclists have something extra compared to gravel specialists? "I think so, because you can't acquire the physical condition that a Giro or Tour can give you in any other way. You have a higher level of performance, then from what I've seen, gravel does require a bit of technique, but it's certainly not something impossible even for those who have no off-road experience.What changes is the sustained speed, you just have to get used to it."
