We arrived at Alè headquarters early in the morning. The invitation and meeting were organized by the marketing office. Veronese brand to deliver to Filippo Zana his shirt tricolor, the one with which the young Bardiani CSF Faizanè rider will race between now and the end of the year, intrigued us and stimulated us to be able to tell another important moment experienced by the Venetian rider and by the same company reality coordinated by Alessia Piccolo.
A true encore, considering that Zana's victory at the Italian Championships in Alberobello doubles for Alè the one achieved last year by Sonny Colbrelli in Imola…
So, Filippo, after your victory in the Italian championship, you told us you hoped for a tricolor jersey as beautiful as the one Colbrelli wore a year ago. Did you live up to your expectations?
I would say yes. The shirt is exactly as I imagined it.Clean, with the Italian flag displayed in all its beauty. I will do everything I can, starting from the next races, to honor it as best as possible.
What's your relationship with clothing during competition and training? What are your favorite pieces or accessories?
Obviously, the correct clothing to wear in the most diverse weather conditions is essential. Today, even the details make the differenceI'm very happy with Alè, and the item I get along with best, if I really have to choose one, is the shorts with their pad. Exceptionally comfortable.
Do you consider yourself a “technical” rider, attentive to the specificity and quality of the materials you use?
Let's say it's normal. Although, as I learn more about the history and technologies of the brands that support us, I'm increasingly interested in understanding how the materials themselves are made and why they serve that specific purpose.
You had already run in the past "dressing" Alé?
Actually, no. I started my experience with Alè right when I arrived in Bardiani-CSF -FaizanèI must say that the support is top-notch. We work very well together, both as a team and as a company. You can tell there's a constant focus and desire to improve. Maybe even taking advantage of some of our advice, considering that we practically… live on the bike.
What does this jersey mean to you? Were you confident you could do well after winning the Adriatica Ionica Race in mid-June?
I came away from the Adriatica Ionica Race with a bang. A wonderful success. I managed to keep my condition and before the Italian I finished with some great training sessions.I would call the success in Alberobello unexpected. I wouldn't have imagined it, and yet I won. Now I can't wait to wear this jersey while racing, from the next Tour of the Czech Republic in early August onwards. Hoping to be able to honour her as best we can in the Italian races at the end of the season.
A tricolour according to tradition
Overall, the weekend of the national championships saw Alè riders climb all three steps of the podium – between road races and time trials – in eight different countries. From Italy to Slovenia, from France to Japan, from Trinidad and Tobago to Hungary, from Croatia to the United StatesAnd no less than eleven athletes, including male and female cyclists, led Alè to success.
«It is always extremely exciting – declared Alessia Piccolo, general manager of APG, the company that owns Alè – see our girls and boys winAnd it's even more beautiful when smaller teams succeed, as happened with Filippo. Our graphic designers and the entire production department did a fantastic job. And I want to thank them for that.
«The Alè Italian champion jersey for Filippo Zana, in agreement with the Bardiani CSF Faizanè team, is designed and made in full respect of traditionWe are proudly Italian, Our production is 100% Made in Italy, therefore we want the tricolour to always be clearly visible and recognisable in the midst of the group".
