PONTE SAN MARCO – The camper of the Biesse Carrera Premac It's just a few steps from the Coppa San Geo signing sheet, the elite and under-23 event that opens the Italian calendar along with the Firenze-Empoli. A few steps outside the camper, you can glimpse the heads of the boys from the Brescia continental team. We ask to speak to Etienne Grimod and within seconds we see him pop outThe man from the Aosta Valley is just over 190 centimeters tall, and when we see his head sticking out, we naturally wonder how he managed to fit comfortably inside that van. He smiles and follows us in a welcoming manner for the interview..
Etienne Grimod is one of the new faces we saw whizzing around the Zolder velodrome at the recent European Track Championships. He recently turned 19 and a few days ago he entered the elite world of quartet and individual pursuit disciplines.As a junior, he was one of the faces of the Italian track, guided by Dino Salvoldi, who won a world championship and a European championship. In 2023, in Anadia, he was part of the quartet that set the world record in the category pursuit. at his side were Juan David Sierra, Renato Favero and Luca GiaimiThe first two were also protagonists at the European elite.
Among the greats
It had been anticipated by the track manager Marco Villa, now ex-since recent Federal Council Changes have arrived regarding the four-year period 2025-2028, which this continental event would have opened the doors to many young people. A way to launch the next big event: Los Angeles 2028. Etienne Grimod is one of the new boys brought to Zolder to take the measure and pace of the track greats.
«The European Championship went well – he tells us – I didn't expect it but we were in good shape. Something was missing to get on the podium in the team pursuit, but in the individual competition I did well, a sign that I was doing well. My first meeting with the big boys was, above all, a wonderful experience. I learned a lot from those who have lived in this environment for years, such as Francis LamonHe is one of the references for my disciplines."
What did he tell you?
Not to worry, that we're young, and to do what we can as if it were a training session. These are all useful words, especially since we've never been so calm before a quartet final.
What was it like joining the quartet knowing what a quartet means to the Italian track?
Let's say that It was a great emotion to race in the top category. Joining the quartet knowing that they won gold in Tokyo and that they managed to win bronze in Paris is an honor.
And what is the moment that remains for you?
I'd say the group. I didn't expect to find such great harmony. We were many athletes of different ages but we had a great time together. Then I have to say that I also liked my performance in the individual pursuit (the athlete from Valle d'Aosta came in sixth, ed.).
Can you tell us about the steps leading up to this first European Championship?
In November and December, I was often in Montichiari, shooting. Then I was on a training camp with the team in Spain, and finally, the week before the European Championships, which we spent entirely there in Montichiari. It was great to experience the velodrome so much and ride with so many guys I had never worked with before.During the week before leaving for Zolder I worked with the others in the quartet: Lamon, Boscaro, Galli and Favero (Grimod came on for Galli in the final that won the bronze, ed.).
What have you done?
We tested the various combinations. Ultimately, we needed to have a certain feeling for the European Championship.
How did you feel when you heard that you were going to the European Championships?
I was in Sanremo, where I have a house, for some street training. I took it really well; I honestly wasn't expecting it.
But what emotion do you take away from this experience?
It's just that this is the first elite European. I think of how many there could be and already being part of this team with a fairly high level makes me say: «Wow, I did pretty well and there's still a lot of room for improvement.».
Once there with Sierra and Favero, you who were the pillars of the junior quartet, what did you say to each other?
We've known each other for three years, we're like brothers: we go on vacation together and do everything together. On the one hand this was an advantage because we talked about everything, without problemsThanks to our relationship, I didn't feel the tension approaching the race. At the end of the European Championships, I was flying with Favero, and I was thinking about our journey. From juniors we moved up to the elite category, there weren't many like us.I thought about Consonni, Milan, and Ganna, who have been lifelong friends, so I looked at Favero and said, "I think we're on the right track."
Salvoldi, who you worked with as a junior, will now be the track manager. Is this a way to continue your journey toward bigger goals?
His arrival could be an advantage, he certainly knows us very well. But in the end we worked with Villa for a year, so he was starting to get to know us too.They are two complete technicians, I don't think it's such a big change. We'll get along well with Salvoldi, since we already know the working method. We'll see how it goes.
