Julius Ciccone he tried. At Liège, on the Redoute, he crossed the summit in fourth position, alongside his teammate Mattias Skjelmose and trying to answer as much as possible to Remco Evenepoel. Another good signal from the Abruzzese, who just had time to put the Tour of Italy in the crosshairs that the sense of weakness perceived yesterday in the race has translated in yet another positive Covid test. This is what the Trek-Segafredo press release says.
«Unfortunately we have to communicate – we read – that Giulio Ciccone tested positive for Covid-19Giulio was tested this morning, April 24, after waking up with mild symptoms. He will now rest while our medical staff monitors his condition. Giulio's participation in the Giro d'Italia is now on hold, to be decided after evaluating his recovery and obtaining a negative Covid test. A final decision will be made in the last few days before the start of the race.».
This year Ciccone has changed a lot in his preparation and is showing really good things this spring. He achieved a victory and on more than one occasion he stuck his nose in the middle of the greats, things that seemed impossible until a while ago. This last piece of news was really not needed..
Ardennes cold
When he reached the finish line in Liège he was swollen from the cold and fatigue. And in fact he joked: "It looks like he's been beaten up." After half an hour, the rider from Trek-Segafredo He got off the bus and already looked like a new man after showering and warming up. His brother Marco was waiting to take him to the airport and from there to Italy.
While signing autographs, "Cicco" recounted: "It was a really tough day. And the cold, even if it didn't seem like it, finally played its part. And then, more than 250 kilometers… it was a really tough day…
"Was I among the most attentive to Evenepoel's attack? Let's say so. My feelings were not bad, in fact I had a good leg. Obviously Remco's change of pace is something that goes beyond my capabilities. At least for now, so I tried to do my part."
Head held high with the big names
Trying is important. Maybe even overrev a bit, but don't start completely defeated. A bit like what Pidcock did. After his sprint to chase the world champion, Giulio took a breather and once again took on the likes of this planet.
Taking certain actions is important for the rider. It gives confidence. Finishing fourth on a Redoute in a head-to-head is no small feat. Especially these days, when there's always at least one of the four phenomenal contenders.
«I think we played a good card together with Mattias – Ciccone continued – we tried to go as smoothly as possible, then they came back behind us. Various small groups returned and from there the games began: sprints from a standing start, chases... and, you know, there it becomes more of a question of tactics than of legs, however I'm still satisfied with my condition... with the result (13th, ed.) a little less. Let's put it in perspective."
A really super start
Forward means Giro d'Italia, even if in the aftermath of the beautiful Liège, the conditional now becomes obligatory. For years, we've confronted Ciccone with the question of whether he should or shouldn't be in the standings. This year, the approach was different. This time, it's about doing the best we can. Then the road will give its verdict.
«I've had great feelings since the beginning of the year – he said – and I'm happy with how I'm approaching the races, how focused I am getting to them. I think it's been one of the best starts to a season so far. In fact, maybe the best start to a season ever. The goal is to maintain this line."
From Belgium to Abruzzo
There are two weeks between Liège and "his" Pescara, during which time we hope Covid will pass quickly and not jeopardize the good work we've done so far. A crucial period.
"I haven't raced since Catalonia," he said yesterday before heading home. "I was missing a few days of racing and a few off-track runs. I won't race again between now and the Giro d'Italia, especially since it's not that far away. These last few days will be for fine-tuning... and then we'll go!"
"I never planned to do any reconnaissance. I know all the roads in Abruzzo, and we decided to make the approach as smooth as possible. If everything goes well, I'm sure something good will come of it."
He said this last night, before he knew he already had the virus in his body. Ciccone knows him well: he was the first rider to return after a positive test, in that 2020 Giro d'Italia which raised more doubts than enthusiasm. Now that the history is traced and the literature more complete, we hope that he will be there too at the start from Fossacesia, with legs ready to hurt.
