The history of the Blue Flames in the world of cycling began in 1992, many great events were therefore experienced with trepidation by the managers of the sports group of the Penitentiary Police, but It is clear that the next Olympics will bring with them great pathosFirst of all, for their origins, then for all the difficulties they entail. Finally, last but not least, for the opportunities the boys will bring with them. Letizia Paternoster for track races (in the opening photo with the DT of the Group Fabio Masotti), Marta Bastianelli for the online test and Francesco Lamon for the chase quartet.
The Senior Inspector Augusto Honors, who looks after the cycling sports group with unparalleled passion, starts from the general aspect of the overall contingent to tackle the topic: «In total, 20 athletes from the Fiamme Azzurre have qualified for the Tokyo Olympic Games, A historic record for our Sports Group, surpassing that of Rio de Janeiro 2016, where 19 representatives of the Penitentiary Police Corps were present. In cycling, we are starting with three qualified athletes, a significant number in this context that fills us with satisfaction. It should also be remembered that the contingent also includes Assistant Chief Carlo Buttarelli, mechanic of the blue bikes».
Did you expect a similar number of participants at the beginning of the Olympic five-year period?
Considering that the Fiamme Azzurre cycling section consists of 6 athletes (2 men and 4 women), I think the planned objective has been largely achieved. As a Section, we consider qualifying three athletes an excellent result.We knew that our potential, in terms of technique, quality, and experience, was very high, and we consider placing this number of athletes a more than positive result.
The Olympics are a year late: how much has this unexpected and long break affected the kids?
Obviously, we, like the entire world of high-level sports, are approaching this most important event with many difficulties, mainly due to the last year. The lack of competitions, with our athletes (unfortunately no one excluded) who have contracted Covid-19 with the post-contagion consequences he extended the recovery.
Paternoster arrives at the Olympics with a thousand uncertainties related to what she's been through over the past year. How have you, as a sports team, supported her?
Paradoxically for the Paternoster the postponement was fortunate, as she was able to recover from an injury that would have ruled her out of the 2020 GamesThe injury has created numerous challenges for her, both psychologically and technically. Her recovery, however, is progressing, thanks in part to collaborations with external clubs, which have allowed her to grow and improve her performance.
How much of your input was involved in managing her recovery? Did you have a say in building the path to getting her fit for the Games?
As a Sports Group, it is our institutional duty to monitor every phase of the athlete's recovery; recovery is clearly the primary objective. The GS Fiamme Azzurre staff is always close to the athlete, authorizing the gatherings and competitions requested by the federal technical structure to prepare us to participate and win an Olympic Games. I believe that our work has contributed to not rushing the times, by providing support not only to Paternoster, but to all the members of the Group.
What does Bastianelli's presence, brought back almost at the last minute, mean to you?
Bastianelli's Olympic debut in Japan, crowning a long career, is a source of particular satisfaction for us. We believe that, given her distinctive characteristics, according to the tactical plans of the National Coach Dino Salvoldi, her role will be that of a "wild card" should a compact group of players arrive, where in this case Marta can actually play legitimate chances. But I still have a little bit of regret for the absence of Tatiana Guderzo, with the beauty of 4 Olympic participations and Michele Scartezzini. I spoke with Michele every day and I know that the preparation we have done will be important in building the appointment for Paris 2024.
Compared to other sports, how many Fiamme Azzurre athletes will be present in Tokyo and what do you expect from this Olympic event?
Fiamme Azzurre cycling has participated in the Games continuously since 1996: we hope for medals on the track, counting on a surprise effect with Bastianelli. We'll see how it goes, the important thing is that we are aware of having completed the approach path., as long as 5 years, as good as it could be.
