Fernando Tercero Lopez not only did he finish eighth in the Giro d'Italia U23 but appears very often in the top 10 of many, many arrivals. Spanish, born in 2001, runs for the Contador Foundation, in practice the youth of the Eolo-Kometa.
We got to know him better during the Giro d'Italia, a race reserved for young athletes. A slender physique (182 cm, 65 kg), with the features of a pure Spaniard, thick eyelashes, and dark hair, Fernando told us his story.
Fernando, what kind of rider are you?
I'm a climber. I like long climbs like the Mortirolo and Colle della Fauniera, the ones that last more than half an hour. I feel at ease.
It wasn't the first time you were at the Giro…
No, I already did it last year and I learned a lot right away. It was a great experience and this year I hoped and thought I could finish in the top ten overall. And I have to say, I've noticed a big difference. Already in the second half of last season. Right after the Giro, I improved a lot.
Fernando, you were pretty covered up, but you were in the thick of the action. So on the Mortirolo (and then also on the Fauniera). You were a consistent performer...
Yes, especially on the Mortirolo. We were going really fast at the start, and I knew that wasn't my pace. So I decided to pull away a bit. I stayed focused, I needed a cool head. I knew someone in front would explode. On climbs like these, it's important not to jump, because the minutes fly by.
What area are you from?
In the central area, near Madrid. Ciudad Real To be precise. It's a very flat area, and for a climber like me, that's not the best!
And where do you go to look for climbs?
In the Sierra Morena, which lies between my region and Andalusia. But there aren't any long climbs; I don't know of any that are 30 minutes or longer.
How did you start running?
At home we always watched sports on television, especially cycling. Tour, the Return il Line of Business, but no one in my family rode or had ever ridden a bike. Ever since I was little, I loved watching cycling and wanted to do it. And finally, I asked my parents to take me to the cycling school in my hometown. I was about ten years old when I went there for the first time. And now here I am.
Who was your idol?
Oh easy – smiles Tercero – Alberto (Counter, ed.). At the time when he was winning the Giro, the Vuelta. Not only did he win, but it was a spectacle how he did it. And now I run on his team.
What's your first memory of meeting?
The first memory I have of him is on TV. There was the Tour stage with Evans e Andy Schleich in the breakaway on the Galibier. I remember that stage well. We met in person three years ago. We were on bikes, and I was pedaling at a low cadence. And another time he showed me the Giro trophy. It was exciting to see it live.
Let's get back to the current bike. Do you also like time trials?
Yes, yes. And I'm doing well. I'm not a specialist, but compared to other climbers, I'm doing well.
Well, you have the physique and the long levers to push…
Actually, I'm not bad on the bike. Plus, we're working on it. After the Giro, I'll compete in the national championship and I hope to do well.
When will you be able to move up to the senior team?
GoodI don't know! But I think if I keep getting good results and being consistent, I'll eventually make it pro with them. That's been my dream since I was a kid. I'm waiting for it to come true.
What's on your schedule after the Giro?
Now the national championship and then I will aim for the Valle d'Aosta and then if the Spanish national team takes me at the Avenir I'll be happy, otherwise there will be other races.
Between Juan Ayuso and Carlos Rodriguez, you have a great legacy to build on in the national team. It's no easy task.
They were going strong. Last year it was a "too powerful" national teamBut I think we can do well this year too.
