In a cycling where increasingly younger professionals are passing through There is a category of riders that we are forgetting about: the elite. In the category under 23 the average age is getting lower and lower So we wanted to understand how important it is to have an experienced rider on the team. During the season one of the elite who showed off his skills the most was Matteo Zurlo, of the Zalf Euromobil Desiré Fior.
The Venetian boy has obtained numerous victories: five including the general classification of the Tour of the Veneto. We wanted to ask Matteo what were the biggest differences he noticed this season. Especially regarding his role with his teammates and how it has changed within the team. Faresin he spent nice words for his elite saying he doesn't want to give them up. Let's try to understand why.
Matteo, how important is it to create a cohesive group?
To achieve this year's results, this is essential. You have to row all in the same direction to make the boat move forwardI've finished my fourth year at Zalf and I could still be here next year, I know everything about this team.
Where do we start from?
Simply put, it all comes from the various winter retreats, where we spend our first moments together and the group begins to form. The young people who come to us are of a certain level, Zalf doesn't take just any people., as evidenced by the 14 different riders who have achieved at least one victory this year.
As a more experienced person, how do you relate to the little ones?
My role comes out on the fly, Having done a few more races I'll let you know how to move in a groupI tell him when to stay close or when to break away. Faresin believes in us a lot and asks us to pass the Zalf mentality on to the new arrivals too.
Or?
You don't compete in your own interest but in that of the team. Everyone has the opportunity to perform well during the season, if you make yourself available to your teammates they will do the same for you.
Isn't there a risk of having too many roosters in the henhouse?
This is where the role of the sports director comes into play, must be good at maintaining balanceThen when you prove what you say with results, it's easier for us athletes to work too.
Do you train with them often?
Our Customers a small house in Castelfranco Veneto and we in the area. Cattelan, Faresin, Tolio, Menegale, Raccani and I often trained togetherWe motivate each other. I think it's important for new players to have someone experienced training alongside them. The leap from junior to under-23 is noticeable, it changes the way you train and the frequency with which you do it, and you start to see the goal getting closer.
Do you mean the one about passing pro?
Yes, in the under 23 category we all have the same dream.
Isn't there a risk of helping a teammate too much and being left behind?
Having a default captain is a double-edged sword in this category. Always running for a captain doesn't allow you to fully mature and discover your limits and potential.We young people must be left free, especially in this category.
Doesn't it worry you that some of your classmates passed and you didn't?
I'm calm, it's obvious that my goal is to become a professional, but I still believe in it and I don't stop workingI have some contacts for next year, but I also know that at Zalf's house the doors are open to meOne thing is certain, I will not stop pedaling.
