Ivan Toselli has dusted off the top step of the podium, It's been a long time since the rider from Campania had such good feelings as he has now. Last weekend, wearing the jersey of his region's representative team, he raced in the GP Baron. The victory dates back to a few days earlier, on May 4th, at the Gran Premio Città di Predappio.
«I haven't won since Gold Cup – says Toselli from his home – it had been 400 days and more since I stood on the top step of the podium. 2023 was not a easy year, the change of category between students and juniors was felt, but even the broken collarbone at the start of the season didn't help. Once I got back in the group, I had a hard time keeping up with the race pace, especially because of the difference compared to the second-year riders."
Two years, two opposite feelings
For the boy who as a student had amazed everyone a little and won by imitating Mathieu Van Der Poel's celebration, for fun and not for bravado, 2023 was difficult.
«At junior level – he continues – the difference between first and second year boys is visible, especially in terms of free relationships. I noticed it too this season, I feel betterI've grown physically, but I'm still a slight athlete. I struggled a lot with free-wheeling, especially on flat terrain, where I couldn't push myself like the others. It happened that I retired from racing or that I was unable to do what I like: attacking.This victory has unlocked me, but I had been feeling good for a while."
In what sense?
I've always been a rider who loves to attack, break away, and push hard. In short, I ran with a very free mind. In 2023 this feature had been set aside, I was afraid of ending up, of not being able to keep up. It's been coming back for a while now, and I have to thank Matteo Berti for it.
You were also very active at the Eroica Juniores Nations Cup.
Yes, I felt the urge to do things, to move, and I followed it. In the cancelled stage I was in the breakaway, the route was very close to my characteristics and I told myself I'd give it a try. The following week, at San Vendemiano, I broke away, staying ahead alone for four laps (photors.it at the top, ed.).
Berti's arrival did it bring a breath of fresh air?
He has a lot of connections and knows a lot about cycling and how to manage a team. We have a constant dialogue with him, we talk a lot both before and after the raceHe has a plan in mind, a schedule, and he sticks to it. Sometimes he might tell us not to race so we can rest and focus on the races that are more suited to our abilities.
Like in Predappio?
I wasn't actually supposed to run – he says with a laugh – but Berti and I looked at the plan and he told me to go and think about winning, but without any pressure. He was very close to me, he kept me calm and brought me back to thinking in a positive way. One thing I missed in 2023.
You have lived the Vangi Before and after his arrival, what has changed?
Last year, during my difficult time, I had no help at all; only my family supported me. Another positive thing is planning. in 2023 I was running every Sunday and this doesn't help to find a peak formLast season was a rough one for our team, it happens.
With Berti, a new trainer also arrived: Fabio Camerin
He too has made a great contribution since the winter. We trained a lot with free weights, which I had never done before.Then he also added gym sessions, no excessive weight, but just a different way of working, where he also taught us how to do the exercises correctly.
Did you also work together to improve on the plains?
Pedaling a lot at a high pace with four-minute repeats at full speed, a sort of fartlek that gave me a lot more energy. One thing he also noticed Dino Salvoldi (man of the junior national team, ed.) who during a retreat a few months ago noticed my improvements and complimented me.
You're a second-year junior, next year you'll be U23, are you thinking about the future?
There are some contacts with some teams, but no confirmation: they are still looking. But I want to say one thing: right now I'm not thinking about next year.I'll see what happens towards the end of the season. Thinking too much about the future has caused me a lot of worry. I've learned to live more in the moment. I'm at peace and looking for results.
