In the chaos of the situation that grips the continental and professional teams, which have in some cases fallen into an identity crisis, there are those like Andrea Garosio was able to find us an opportunity and scale back goals to then relaunch in the near future which sees the return to professional football in the background. It is no secret that the name of the Lombard class of '93 has been linked to the Eolo-Kometa.
After the failure to renew with the Bardiani in 2021, Garosio collected the contract with the Biesse Carrera which, although continental, gave him the opportunity to compete and rediscover new ambitions and fitness. In February, to explain his choice, he told us"My motto has been: I take one step back to take two steps forward." And it seems the final goal is just around the corner. Andrea, tell us...
Season finally over, have you put your bike in the garage for a while?
I stopped riding on Monday and won't be touching my bike for at least two weeks.
Rest and holidays…
Today I'm going to a friend's house for lunch, then I'll take some time to relax.
You've had a unique year, moving from a professional to a continental team. Given all the differences involved, how do you assess your season?
I would say positive, because my goal was to get off to a good start and I succeeded because I reached a top ten like Per Sempre Alfredo. Then at Coppi and Bartali I managed to show off with a few breakaways and winning the climbers' jerseyThey were races where there was a lot of quality, as in many other races I've competed in. Then I did the Giro di Sicilia, where I didn't get a result, but I was always among the leaders. I was a bit disappointed at the Giro dell'Appennino I was in front with Meintjes and I fell on the descent, otherwise I would have managed to get something good there too. The first part of the season, which ended with the Italian Championship, where I finished among the top performers, went well overall.
Did you suffer a bit in the second one?
I haven't run much, but when I had the opportunity I always managed to be there with the first ones. Also because being in a continental there were more difficulties. Then also from a calendar point of view, I couldn't do all the races with the under and elite athletes. Maybe I lacked a bit of brilliance in the season finale. It must be said that they were also races that were less suitable for me.
You said that racing in a continental championship is more difficult, why?
Why staying ahead when you find yourself with the WorldTour and nine or ten professionals is tough. Almost impossible, I'd say. They position themselves in a block and you can't get through there. Consequently, on the climbs and in decisive moments, you always find yourself behind and catching up, spending more energy. Then my teammates, being younger, were unable to provide the help that a more structured team would be able to guarantee.
Besides being in the group, did you also suffer a bit from physical condition at certain times?
The race was lacking in over-revving. Especially because I didn't run much. The rhythm I was able to find while running I soon lost., because a lot passes between one appointment and another. Even though I managed to train well and always be ready. From the relaunches, to the whips and in the important moments or even trivially on the descents, I missed the pedal strokes. I am technical details that you can't replicate in training.
What did the choice to “descend” into a Continental mean for you?
It's been such a complicated year for me. People may not know this, but it was a hellStarting from the beginning, when I found myself looking for teams on my own and not finding them. It was a pain that while I was training, I would check my phone to see if anyone had called me. Until Biesse arrived. Then it was difficult to stay physically fit and run so little. Plus, I broke up with my girlfriend at the beginning of the year, and that also affected my mental health.
Was it mentally tough?
I think that mentally, many people tell me, I was strong despite all the challenges I had to face. I succeeded in My goal is to find professional accommodation by 2023 and start again for a season in cycling that I aspire toI feel much better now than I did a few years ago. It also helped me with a mental maturation that will be useful to me in the future, both in my cycling career and in everyday life.
What did Biesse-Carrera represent for you?
They never let me go without anything, even in their own small way. Of course, you can't compare it to a professional. I knew there would be sacrifices to make, but I was ready. I'm taking this opportunity to thank the team, the president Roberto Bicelli, and the directors Milesi and Nicoletti who gave me this opportunity. It was really beautiful from a human point of view, because I went to the races without stress and we were a good group between boys and staffI have to say that I'm still sad to say goodbye to this team. Running with the young people and giving advice was nice.
You're in your fifth year as a professional, 29 years old. What are your expectations at this point in your career?
The goal is to to be able to winMaybe the level of competition will always be higher, but I know that with the growth I've had both physically and mentally, I can aspire to compete.
Your name has been linked to Eolo-Kometa for 2023, do you feel it could be the right choice?
Yes, because I've seen this team grow over the years. It seems to me like a well-structured team, as if it were a World Tour but with a little less pressure.From the outside, she looks like one of the best professionals in the world. Then there are two managers like Iván Basso and Alberto Contador. The Spanish champion has always been my idol since I was little both because I liked his way of racing and also because he is born on the same day as me.
What do you expect from next season?
I believe that sports directors like Zanatta could help me grow and give me the means for my and their goals. Seeing and talking to my friends like Fortunato and Masters who run in that team, I understand that there is a ideal environment where you can work very well.
