A great victory, they say it changes your life. Imagine three. A Sonny Colbrelli They're certainly changing winter. Victories at the Italian Championship, the European Championship, and Paris-Roubaix have made it one of the most sought-after men for celebratory events during the off-season. While he competed for 61 days in 2021, he has had a busy schedule almost every day over the last month and a half. And his cell phone doesn't stop notifying him of calls and messages on WhatsApp or social media profiles.
Colbrelli's tour de force takes him to the industrial area of Reggio Emilia. The sky is clear, a beautiful warm sun blends with the raw air. Perhaps for the athlete of the Bahrain Victorious It would have been an ideal day for training but the appointment in question is worth his presence.
In the center of the hall of Merida Italy There's a small table with the Roubaix trophy on it, and next to it a red cloth covers the outline of a bike. It's a surprise for Sonny. He himself and Dario Acquaroli, Marketing manager of Merida Italia, they take off the fabric and discover an MTB.
La Ninety Six RC “Cobra One”. The livery is simple but eye-catching. A bright green predominantly colors the frame and the silkscreen recalls the scales of a cobra, precisely. unique specimen, Sonny's eyes light up. It's our time to hear from him how he's handling these commitments.
Merida just gave you a limited-edition MTB in your honor. Are you still doing what you did this year?
First of all, I thank the house for the gift. They know how much I care about using it, so much so that my victory as a child was achieved on a mountain bike.But now, I'll tell you the truth, I'm almost afraid to use it and ruin it because it's truly beautiful. Some people tell me I haven't realized it yet, but maybe it's better, because this way I don't set limits on myself. I want to run with mental peace, as I did in the last months of the season. To show that this year wasn't just luck or chance, but the fruit of commitment and sacrifice.
How has your life changed?
I'm in high demand, even after more than a month. By winning this boulder (meanwhile he caresses the Roubaix trophy stone, ed.), which means so much to me, I'm now included in a list of great champions. I have entered a very important roll of honour where I read the names of Merckx, Moser and Boonen, who inspired me. I can only be happy, I've realized a huge dream. I've hoped since I was little to win a major classic.
Give an adjective to Roubaix.
Epic. We arrived covered in mud, completely unrecognizable. It was a race that many will remember. I'm happy not so much for the victory itself but because I brought Roubaix back to Italy after Tafi, after more than twenty years (the last time was in 1999, ed.). And many now call me "the boy with the mud mask."
You're currently dealing with a long series of celebrations...
Yes, I've always tried to be as available as possible to everyone, but unfortunately I haven't been able to attend every event. And I'm sorry I had to be a bit selective. I'm happy that people seek me out, both for my achievements and for the person I am.
Have you had any particularly strange requests?
I've received a lot of them (laughs, ed.). Some people on Instagram ask me to wish someone a happy birthday, maybe their father or brother. All good things. They're my fans, they support me, and I'm happy to do so.
You've been in high demand. Had anything changed since the Italian championship?
I'd already received a lot of messages in Imola, and a lot of people had called me. I replied to everyone because I like to reply to everyone. It might take me a few days, but that's just how I am. Same thing after the European Championships. Finally, at Roubaix, I can't tell you how many missed messages and calls I found. After the press conference, when I picked up my phone it was literally burning hot.
Here is the Merida Ninety Six RC “Cobra One” built exclusively for Sonny Colbrelli The Cobra logo on the seat tube of the mountain bike, a unique example A souvenir photo with the Bahrain champion And before leaving, a series of autographs for bici.PRO and its readers
Here is the Merida Ninety Six RC “Cobra One” built exclusively for Sonny Colbrelli The Cobra logo on the seat tube of the mountain bike, a unique example A souvenir photo with the Bahrain champion And before leaving, a series of autographs for bici.PRO and its readers
How many people jumped on the bandwagon?
There are so many, but I'm someone who understands those who truly love me and have always believed in me. This last aspect is crucial for me, because many are quick to fall off the wagon.
You've had a lot of placements in your career. Do you feel like sending a message to some of your detractors?
Anyone who really knows me knows the Sonny I was before. I've never been able to blossom before like I did this year. but I had already won races or come close to victories at the Amstel or the Giro d'Italia. I've always raised the bar every year And this season I've had my breakthrough. I hope it doesn't end here, though.
Does all this popularity risk distracting you from preparing for 2022?
It certainly has something to do with being constantly on the move. So far, I've enjoyed every one of these days because I've met so many people who respect me. However, today will be one of the last events. I'm not snubbing training but lately I'm not living the life that an athlete should have. 100 percent. In addition to training, you also need to recover mentally. My head is now already focused on next year.
