It's not a race like any other. They invented it this year, and it's perhaps one of the future great one-day races for pure climbers. It's the Maurienne Classic, which has been reserved for members a 138 kilometre route with a 4.441 metre difference in altitude with four hills to overcome. The terrible altimetry kept away many riders and many teams, but not the Contador Foundation which brought 6 men including David PiganzoliHe wasn't scared, on the contrary...
The call for the French race came to him a little unexpectedly: «I had just come down from the hill, so I didn't think I would go that fast.I didn't know how my body would react. Instead, I found myself facing a true elimination race, in which the team had no weight. Everyone had to run for themselves. In the end, out of 95 starters, 18 qualified..."
What was the track like?
Extremely tough, not even a meter of flat ground, continuous ups and downs, even with some sections of dirt road that were more suitable for gravel than for our bikes. Furthermore, they started off at full speed right away.After the second climb, there were about thirty of us left in front, then the real selection began.
Did the route surprise you?
We knew him a little and we faced this race also because we know that he will be partially affected by the next one Future TowerOne thing I've noticed is that in those parts cycling is almost a religion, the streets are always full of graffiti.
How much did the heat influence it?
A lot, because there wasn't a moment of shade and with the temperatures so high we had to constantly hydrate. The team had planned many support points considering the very hot day. The weather certainly had a major impact on the race.
Tell us how it developed…
As mentioned, we reached the third climb, the longest at 14,6 kilometers, and the selection process began. A breakaway developed and he remained in front. Jenner of the Team BridgelaneWe worked hard to catch him and on the last climb, the hardest at 10 kilometers with an average gradient of 8,5 percent but peaks of 15, especially in the last kilometer, his teammate Dinham took off. I was distracted while trying to hydrate and I lost his wheel. I always took the shots, Jenner was a team player. In the end he won by half a minute (in the opening photo by Freddy Guerin/DirectVelo the arrival of the Lombard, ed.).
A second place that left a bitter taste in your mouth or satisfied you?
I was happy, considering that I didn't think I already had such a brilliant leg Just back from the hill. It was a very useful experience that also taught me a lot about myself.
You came in second in a pure climber's race. It's true that you're the national time trial champion, but can you define yourself as a climber in your main characteristic?
I feel it. If not exactly "pure", I'm still convinced that climbing is my main terrainThe fact that I won the time trial is something that complements this characteristic and really makes me think that stage races could be my preferred terrain for the future. I also have a good recovery, so much so that I struggle especially in the first days of the race, then I always get betterIt was the same at the last Val d'Aosta, as soon as I found my brilliance again I didn't hide.
What awaits you now?
The main event of the season, the Tour de l'Avenir. I know that amadori intends to build the team on me and Fridge, then the road will establish the hierarchies, but I have to be ready, especially because a lot of my future is at stake in these weeks.
Even at a contractual level?
Yes, several teams have expressed interest, After the French trip we will make a decision based on the offers and possibilities for my futureNow I just have to think about pedaling and pedaling hard…
