Last Sunday's victory at the Giro del Medio Brenta represents an important step in Davide De Cassan's pursuit of his second chance at professional cycling. The Trentino rider left Dario Giuliano, Luca Covili and Fernando Tercero behind him in the restricted sprint., all athletes from professional teams. This performance reinforces his growth, with the goal of once again competing among the top athletes. Winning gives you that little something extra, that's why when we call him Davide De Cassan he has a calm and quiet voice. (Xpix photo at the opening).
«It was needed – says the rider of the General Store-Essegibi-F.lli Curia – it was a great race and a great victory that comes after a series of important results in international races. Let's say that a success like this highlights all the good things we have done so far.Situations and results that would otherwise be less noticed, because I'm coming from other good placings, but winning is another thing."
High morale
Winning always boosts morale, instills courage, and allows you to look at what you've accomplished with a different perspective. Results may not be everything, and that's true. but when you come from a positive moment it's nice to crown it all by climbing onto the top step of the podium.
«Compared to the other races – continues De Cassan – there were no differences in the race, I experienced the day the same way, as I always have this year. At most I was even more relaxed, because the route suited me very well and because I had already done well at the Medio Brenta in previous years too.I arrived with a certain level of confidence, I stayed calm until the end and it went well. Also because as the kilometers went by I realized I was one of the fittest riders in the group."
Did anything change in the days following the victory?
I wouldn't say so, the next morning you wake up like any other day. I would say that this is further confirmation of the validity of what has been done in these months, I am and we are working wellThis is a boost of confidence for future goals.
At the beginning of the year, sports director Calosso told us that you would have a high-level calendar, is that true?
Absolutely, the management and the sporting directors have made considerable efforts to allow me, or rather allow us, to compete at a high level. We are making a calendar really full of important events, something that is making the difference in terms of results and in the way the team races.
Coming back to a continental, would you have expected such a level?
Here at General I'm finding it better than I imagined, the work is good. Everyone does their best and gives their all, directors, management, but also all the staff.
What group did you find?
Truly blended and heterogeneous, we all row in the same direction and we riders play our cards when and where we can.
What did two figures like this give you? Calosso and Rosola?
So much confidence and the desire to join me among the professionals again. The nice thing is that they believe it too.I understood that we riders are only the finishers of a job that starts from the top.
You're one of the most experienced, if not the most experienced, on the team. How do you feel about this role?
Age certainly plays a role, but I've also gained a lot of experience over the years, and those are the two reasons things are going so well. The team is united, but we elite are perhaps even more cohesiveWithin the team we act as mother hen for the younger boys.
In what way?
Not in technical terms, because cycling is evolving and even young people know the world of cycling well. I believe that our task is to convey tranquility and serenityThe beautiful thing is that there is not a single leader, but a group.
Many teams don't want to work with elite players for fear they might split the group…
Much depends on the method with which you approach everything. We at General have built a cohesive team already from the retreats done together during the winter, that's where the group is createdWhat we see now is the fruit of a shared journey.
What do you find different about yourself after these months?
I am more aware of my abilities and resources, and I have learned to let go of what does not directly depend on me. Luck or bad luck are part of the game. I try to be more calm and relaxed. I have a different maturity.These past months have been the culmination of all the experiences I've had, only now I also have peace of mind. At 24, I'm still young, but cycling is moving fast.
How do you convince a team to give you another chance in the pros?
Good question, considering the results and the added value I can bring. I'm giving it my all, we're all giving it our all. At the moment no one has come looking for me in a concrete way.
Now an important part of the season begins, the final one…
We will race the Pessano-Roncola on Sunday, then the Bassano-Monte Grappa and the Zanè-Monte Cengio. Once July is over, we'll have to recharge our batteries for September., which will be full of important commitments.
