November is a time for taking stock and, in the case of Alessio Magagnotti, also of scales to measure the weight of victories and medals won. His first season as a junior with the jerseys of Autozai-Contri and the national team had a sensational growth.
The Trentino player from Avio – who will turn eighteen on January 27th – almost never seems to suffer from the jump in category, maintaining a very high "scoring" average. From rookie to today, with the eight this year, there are 51 total victories obtained on the roadThese are important numbers that should always be taken with a pinch of salt when talking about young people, especially so as not to create excessive expectations, however the interest already shown in Magagnotti by pro teams is well knownWe left him before he began to rack up continental and world gold medals on the track with the quartet, which also set world records, topped off with a bronze in the individual pursuit.
Just enough time to get back into the rhythm of home after the holidays in Tenerife with his girlfriend Linda Sanarini – another Italian junior with many medals – where they met many friends and colleagues, who Alessio is ready to look to 2025. Few pragmatic words and room for action..
Alessio, rewinding the tape, what kind of year has it been overall?
I started off slowly, or rather, not very well. I felt like there were a lot of eyes on me in the previous seasons, but as time went by I didn't notice it anymore.I crashed in a few races, then at the beginning of April at the GP del Perdono I broke through, taking second place. From then on, things got better and better on the road, working hard for my teammates as well. Things went well on the track, too. At the European Championships in Cottbus we won gold with the quartet, we repeated ourselves at the World Cup in China After some good work at altitude in Livigno. Ultimately, I'd say it was a good season, aside from a few setbacks and the fact that I didn't finish it on a high note.
For what reason?
I certainly have some regrets about some races. At the Italian time trial championship I hoped to do better than eighth time, but I was coming from a period of rest to recover after getting sick in Saarland with the national team. Also at the European Road Championship in Limburg we could have done morePersonally, I was in good shape, but we didn't run to our full potential. Ultimately, I was forced to end the season in mid-September. after a race in the Mantua area in which a strong back pain flared up again. Basically, my lumbar region is out of balance.
What is it due to?
In one of the first races of the year in the Vicenza area, I had a bad fall and hit my face. From that day onwards I immediately felt that I was no longer okay. And maybe I never fully recovered. Maybe I didn't give it much importance because it didn't hurt every day, I have always run while enduring the painTowards the end of the season, however, he was too strong and I was no longer able to express myself as I wanted. In the last few days I went to a dentist's office to take an impression for a bite. By carrying that I should settle down and find the right balance.
How did you find the Azzurri group?
Very well. We have achieved great results, but just as many have escaped us.On the track next year, practically the whole group will change because I was the only first-year rider. On the road, I hope we can race better as a team and therefore be stronger. When we meet again, we'll see who will be there, but I'm sure there won't be any problems finding the right mix.
Last year you won silver at European Youth Olympic Festival, but how was the impact of a real international experience this year?
It helped me get a better feel for the category. Among the juniors abroad, they really are racing with a knife between their teeth, as everyone says. I immediately understood that your opponents will sprint against you even for thirtieth place..
What other lessons have you learned from this first year as a junior?
Absolutely. I've learned that the race isn't over until you cross the finish line. I used to take certain things for granted, but I realized it firsthand.At the end of April, at the San Leolino race in Tuscany, I overturned the result. On a stretch of dirt road, I had dropped off, paying the price for my still limited skill on that road surface. I was demoralized and perhaps resigned to a placing, but thanks to the encouragement of my technicians and also a little bit to myself, I managed to recover positions and win the race.
Transfer rumors have you already in the WorldTour orbit. How are you handling this situation?
I also learned to better control certain pressures, like at the beginning of the year when I was eager to do things and show myself. It's true that I had many proposals from I have to team up of the WorldTour, but I haven't signed anything yet and above all I still have a lot to prove. So I keep my feet on the ground.
What goals does Alessio Magagnotti have for 2025?
The hope is always to continue to grow and win. I would like to put my stamp on the most important races, but I would also like to run better both individually and with the team, Autozai and the national team. Currently, I'm a fast rouleur who's comfortable on seemingly flat sections or one-kilometer climbs, but I'd like to go faster on steeper climbs. My will is also to do well in the Northern races.
