In Glasgow there was also Enrico Della Casa, number one of theuecExtremely intrigued by the organization of a complex event like the first edition of this sort of "Cycling Olympics," to draw inspiration for new ideas. To tell the truth, such an event was in the plans of the European federation, but seeing how on a larger scale the same path was being followed, nothing more was done.
Squeezed between the Tour de France and the start of the World Championships, the UEC had meanwhile organised the first edition of the European Championships for climbers. One might be led to think of it as a niche event, yet it has provided many ideas, just think of the victory of Grosschartner, to the last-minute renunciation of pogacar, to the silver of Gaffuri. The problem was the poor promotion of the event, basically people started talking about it as soon as the Tour finished and the race was the following Sunday…
"And yet the event had been on the calendar since the beginning of the year," Della Casa laughs when we point out, "but it actually ended up being a bit squeezed into the calendar. It couldn't have been otherwise, given the unique nature of this season. For us it was a test, to understand its prospects, especially considering that it united various worlds of our panorama, from top-level competitive to amateur, all united in space and time. It was a test, I'd say it was easily passed."
The announcement of Pogacar's possible participation in this regard was a stroke of luck…
Tadej had made himself available – Della Casa specifies – and this helped us publicize the event, then he couldn't be there given the fatigue accumulated at the Tour and the imminent World Championship commitment, but we really appreciated his willingness. Overall it was a good experience, which we will definitely reflect on to improve its impact., because it is an event that can have a future.
Is the second edition already in the works?
Yes, we will remain at San Gottardo, which has made itself available for three editions. Furthermore, the support of the Swiss federation is strong, the national championships will also be played there, moreover we have received a lot of interest from various federations and the environment has liked the idea. In the meantime we have had the interest of Mont Ventoux, to collect the legacy of the Swiss, so the future is mapped out.
Will you maintain this connotation that also allows those who operate in the world of Granfondo to compete with the Elite?
That's the idea, even though someone like Gaffuri is a fully-registered rider, so he would still have been entitled to participate. Giving everyone the opportunity to run is the basis of this initiativeWith the hillclimb formula, everyone can record their time on the same day. Moreover, on a track managed with complete safety, which is no small feat.
What else will you propose?
This year we are launching the European Cyclocross Cup for youth categories, which was an idea we had for some time and which we had already tested for a couple of years without, however, following it directly. It's an initiative that has been well received because it has a high promotional value, just look at how many kids from cyclocross have been protagonists in the various specialties in GlasgowWe won't go any further. The UEC doesn't have huge resources, and we want to do a few things, but do them well.
Is it true that a multi-cycling event like the Scottish one was in the UEC's plans?
Not only that – Della Casa gets serious – it was already established, The first edition was supposed to take place in Minsk, Belarus, in 2021., but then the pandemic ruined all those plans, not to mention the political problems that had arisen in the meantime. The calendar is already very busy, and we're also part of the program of the four-yearly European Championships, which last year was a resounding success. In 2026 we want to bring all the Olympic specialties just like we did in Glasgow, but it is an onerous commitment.
This year, the European Championships will replace the World Championships. This should also provide greater media impact...
It's a coincidence, it will happen in the year of the omnicycling event, but starting next year we will return to our usual August slot, also considering the presence of the Olympics which makes the calendar even more complicated.
What impression did you get of this Scottish review?
It was a great event – says Della Casa – which allowed us to get to know the world of cycling from all angles. Who in Italy had ever heard of, for example, cycleball, or artistic cycling, or the many facets of BMX? This World Championships has given our world more visibility than usual and has also allowed Paralympic athletes to coexist with able-bodied athletes, a tremendous achievement.
Is this an idea that can be repeated?
Not only will it be repeated, but the next Road World Championships in Zurich 2024 will even combine the two worlds once again. We have only been following paracycling for two years, we didn't have the organizational structures to do it well.The request we receive is to do the same and we will follow this indication for the road, probably from 2025. For the track it is more difficult given what is needed, even in Glasgow which has a cutting-edge facility they have had problems.
