It's probably no coincidence that many foreign riders still choose Italian youth cycling to grow and acquire the skills they'll later need among professionals. There have been cases like this even in recent times, an example being anders foldager also winner of a Belgian classic. Whoever is following in those footsteps is Aitor Martinez Groset, that At 17 years old he is collecting laurels in series, proving himself as one of the best elements of the category at world level.
Martinez Groset is from Team Vangi Tommasini The Pirate and so far he has already collected 6 victories, proving to be one of the best elements of the Italian calendar. How did he get there and above all why? «The first thing that pushed me to choose Italy was the fact that the Vangi Team, inserted in the supply chain UAE, participates in the best junior competitions in the world and therefore represents an excellent showcase. Also, my manager told me it was a great opportunity."
What differences have you noticed in your new team compared to the Iberian section of Team Polti?
This team takes part in more important competitions, even abroad, and they are all very demanding. We need to learn to better manage the races and the surrounding environment, but also ourselves.It's a really great gym.
Is the level of national and junior competitions higher in Spain or Italy?
In my opinion, and I have always been convinced of this, I think that in Spain the teams are at a slightly lower levelIn Italy, the teams are stronger overall, there's more competition, but I think the individual level in both countries is very high. This translates into very close races, which is why I prefer the Italian ones.
How did you start cycling and why did you choose this sport?
I started out following in my father's footsteps. He never competed in competitive cycling; he simply loved cycling, and he passed this passion on to me. Then, at nine years old, I started riding my bike and taking part in mountain bike races. For a while I dedicated myself to off-road, but when I started doing things seriously I switched to the road and it was the right choice.
What kind of cyclist are you?
I haven't quite figured it out yet, because I think I'm a climber, but I'm realizing I also have good walking skillsLast year, I even won a time trial stage at the Vuelta a Cantabria. I think I'm someone who can adapt to just about anything, but above all, I'm more of a climber and I'm good at sprinting in small group finishes.
You've already achieved many victories this year. Which one is the most important to you?
Certainly the one with the Spanish national team. Victor Cabedo Trophy, the Spanish classic, which was a Nations Cup event and is very popular in Spain. Winning with the national team shirt, at home, always has a certain effect, especially when you compare it to the whole world.
What do you think about theEroica, where you finished in second place, with a path so different from usual?
It's quite an experience to race on the Strade Bianche, a course where professionals take part and which is definitely quite challenging. Regardless of the result, I can say that I had a lot of fun that day because I felt like I was emulating the great champions who had been there a few weeks before.Emotionally, it's the best race I've ever done, a wonderful experience that I want to repeat soon in the top categories. It's a really fun race, you suffer a lot, but internally I had a lot of fun because the scenery and everything else were incredible, and the riders were all very fast.
Do you prefer one-day races or stage races?
The results say that I emerge more in the classics and I can't say that I don't like them, on the contrary, but Stage races are my favorite dimension and I think I will soon emerge there tooI want to test my endurance and recovery skills; they're essential for a future in the world of two-wheeled cycling.
Are there any cyclists you admire?
Many to tell the truth, from pogacar a Van der Poel e Van Aert. All of them stand out in the classics, but if I have to be honest my favorite is Julian Alaphilippe. Many consider me as the new AyusoI'd love to compete like him, but I want to focus on myself, I don't want to be like anyone else. I don't want comparisons, I want to be a great cyclist, I've been on the podium for Spain. I'm an incredible rider, but I think I run my own way, and everyone runs their own way.
What are your goals for this season?
I think I've already reached some of them, First of all, create a bond with the team, run all together to the best of our ability. Our next goals are to participate in the most important competitions and take the Spanish national team jersey to the World Championships and see how it goes there.
