Il GP Kranj It always provides food for thought. The latest edition rewarded the local Russian. CTF Victorious Novel Ermakov, which was a match with the other race held less than 24 hours earlier, but behind him stood out Matteo Baseggio and it's no coincidence because He has been travelling around the top spots of the races he takes part in practically all summer, with 7 Top 10s from June 28th to this part..
We are talking about a 26 year old rider, part of theUc Trevigiani Energiapura Marchiol, therefore in a delicate situation to say the least. Next year will be the last year in which he will be able to play in the category, then the axe will fall: either an opening in at least a continental team, or farewell to this world.. Talking to the rider, however, you'll never feel even the slightest hint of discouragement. Baseggio is fully engaged in the game and has always accepted its consequences.
The second place satisfied him completely: «It was a high-level international race, with many teams immediately launching the race at a very high pace. At halfway through the race, there were about fifty of us left in the front group, and with two laps to go, there were 20 of us fighting for the victory. When Ermakov went away, me and Balmer we tried to catch him but he was really going fast, after all he had a different pace and we had seen the day before that he was in a state of grace".
Your result wasn't unexpected, given how you were doing during that period...
I came down from Livigno feeling like I was in good shape and I tried to make the most of it, but I hope it lasts a long time. I always try to do as much as I can, to leave for every race to put my signature, I have a consistent performance and this has always been my characteristic., hoping it will also lead me to a victory in some circumstances. This is not a victory, but it's close, considering there were some professional riders and Balmer himself is a regular on the WorldTour.
You've never complained about being Elite, about being forced to work a forcedly reduced schedule. Doesn't that bother you?
Complaining is useless, I've always thought that it's part of the rules of the game.If you haven't passed, acknowledge it and choose what to do. I thought about quitting, but then I liked this world regardless, and I kept going. I enjoy it; I don't mind training and living the life of a rider. For me, as for the others, the goal has always been to get through and as long as you are in this environment there is always hope., but if the move doesn't come, at least I'll be able to say that I've always given my all and that I have no regrets.
You were talking about hope: you're without an agent, you let the results speak for you, but do you still have that hope?
Otherwise I wouldn't be here. I want to continue as long as I can, making myself available if anyone finds a spot available, knowing that there's a rider here who gives 110 percent in every race, especially for the others. If they told me to take steps but you always had to take them, I would say yes and I would always take them… Today, all the young people who come through are super ambitious and rightly so, but I can guarantee my commitment to those who have a better chance of emerging.
Yet, all things considered, you're not short of results either...
Since the start of the season I have one win and something like 17 top 10s, which means I'm always there fighting. Some, like the one in Kranj, are even more valuable considering the international level of the competition and the participation.
What do they say in society?
They are happy with my performance, but also with my behavior: being one of the "biggest", I act as a mediator between the younger players and the staff, I help to build a team, giving that little something that is also needed during the race.It's not even something they specifically asked me to do, I'm just happy to do it, that's all.
You don't have an agent. Have you ever tried to directly seek a place in a continental team, perhaps abroad? It's easy to see Italian riders around the world...
I don't deny that I've thought about it, but contacts are needed. For example, with Asian teams that also have interesting budgets, but It's not enough to have an email address and write if you don't have someone who accompanies the proposal, who knows, who can put in a good word for itMaybe I'm also the one who's not putting in much effort, precisely because for me, retiring at the end of 2024 won't be the end of the world. I studied mechanics, and in this world, you can stay in other roles as well. In the meantime, I'll continue on this path, always trying to get results starting from the Astico-Brenta tomorrow, then we'll see.
