The final stage of the Tour of Lunigiana brings with it the final answers regarding the general classification, with a reshuffling of the cards regarding the third and final step of the podium (opening photo Ptzphotolab). James Rosato he displaces the Norwegian Kristian Haugetun, while Frenchman Johan Blanc repeated yesterday's success in the afternoon stage, bringing the haul in the Race of Future Champions to two. As always, on the roads of Tuscany and Liguria there was no shortage of presence of Dino Salvoldi, coach of the junior national team. His perspective on the race provides insight into the final match of the season, which leads up to the World Championships in Kigali.
«Lunigiana – says the coach while returning home – He taught us Italians that we must keep our feet on the groundWhen you have legs, you shouldn't run with the placing in mind; running to win is a totally different thing. It's a feeling that I take home with me, not linked to anyone, but to a general attitude of wanting to be satisfied.I accept that a placing can come, but only if it comes after you've given everything you've got to try and win. In my opinion, this has been lacking on a few occasions."
What is your assessment of this Lunigiana?
The average level has risen, but our boys are also stronger. The excellence of the last two years is no longer there, we need more tenacity and tactical reading, especially those who have the legs to try to win must learn to try.
Did you expect anything more after working at altitude with the five selected boys?
No, not that. Preparation choices take priority over results. At high altitude in Livigno we worked for the World Championships in Rwanda, so it's normal that some choices weren't functional to Lunigiana. From the five boys brought to Livigno (Davide Frigo, Roberto Capello, Giacomo Rosato, Mattia Proietti Gagliardoni and Mattia Agostinacchio, ed.) I didn't expect anything more.
Did you plan to find the three World Cup names from these five?
I would have decided the World Cup lineup after Lunigiana, and the names for the European Championships would have been announced after the Buffoni (which will be held on Sunday 15 September, ed.). The boys knew it, and the past confirms it. Last year Consolidani and Remelli didn't come to Livigno but then I brought them to Zurich. Also because the junior category will soon offer new names.
But did you have any names?
Certainly Roberto Capello e Mattia Agostinacchio They were already two names I had in mind, for various reasons. There was a free place, it's true that it's not enough but we will go to Rwanda with a reduced number of people.All the boys knew they had a chance, but I saw boys with the legs to win settle for a place. Races in modern cycling start at kilometer zero and end up after the finish line.
Were you sorry you couldn't see Agostinacchio?
Yes but I heard him and I saw that in these two days he has collected two excellent performancesactions. Even without seeing it I'm sure he gave his all to do his best.
Did you expect anything more from Capello?
No, also because he was involved in a crash during the first Lunigiana stage. He opened up a significant gap and was quite nervous the next day. But then he recovered and in today's stage he was among the first to move.
Who will take this free spot in the World Cup?
James Rosato. Both for the performance against Lunigiana, which led to the third place finish, but also for the continuity shown throughout the year. From him I expect everything we said before, he has to run to try to win, as he did in Vezzano Ligure in the second stage.
What do you say about our opponents?
Austria has shown that it has a strong team, as well as many outstanding individuals (Anatol Friedl above all, ed.). While France didn't shine much during the year, at Lunigiana they found their way back into the game. Belgium, who won the race with Seff Van Kerckhove, moved well.
What kind of World Cup do you expect?
Difficult to interpret. I have some doubts about the fact that it could be really hard, there is a difference in altitude but it always depends on how it is distributedIt certainly won't be a race open to surprises. I think our three boys can try to make the run. While the European is demanding and very close to the characteristics of a pure climberBut before I can name any, I first need to figure out how many riders I can bring.
