IMOLA – Looking at the top 10 of the general classification Giro Women's cycling there is only one athlete who has run in crescendo and perhaps astonishing herself, her team and her fans more than necessary. Barbara Malcotti was able to climb from 103rd place in the initial time trial to 8th place in the final race, giving her new awareness. and proving to be the best Italian after Longo Borghini.
Of the women in the overall standings, the 25-year-old from Trentino, competing for Human Powered Health, paid the heaviest price in the "tic-tac" race in Bergamo. A mere two minutes to make up at the start could have demoralized anyone, but malcotti she didn't give up, supported by a psycho-physical condition she had never had beforeThe pursuit was completed day after day thanks to a team that supported her in every way.
Happiness Bronzini
At the finish line of each stage, the team staff awaited the arrival of their athlete and each of them followed the last few meters with particular enthusiasm. The final three stages were those in which Malcotti returned to the top tenWe often saw osteopath and masseuse Chiara Rozzini cheering on the Trentino athlete from a distance while she had water and post-race drinks ready for her. The Giorgia Bronzini has remained on the same wavelength since the flagship, for what is one of the best results in the history of the US team.
«About Barbara's Giro – Human's sporting director tells us – I have only positive notes. I liked how we were able to interpret it and how she listened step by step to my suggestions and those of her coach Mattia Pollini.We'd already made a plan for the following days with him during the time trial. Barbara was very good at following these instructions, without rushing to immediately make up the gap she'd built up. We told her that the Giro would be long and she knew how to manage her energy well, giving it her all in the last two stages.We were confident she'd finish well, but I can probably say it was a nice surprise for us. I'm happy; it's a result that's good for her and the team."
Barbara, you've given yourself a great satisfaction. What's your first feeling?
I'm happy because no one expected such a ranking. We were aiming for a top 12, just to improve on last year's 15th place.It would have been a great step forward, but this way it was fabulous. The team is super excited, so I am too. In fact, considering that women's cycling has seen a clear improvement... Compared to the last few years, I didn't think I would be so competitive with the top ten in the worldSure, there were a couple missing, but the level was very high.
In the Monte Nerone stage we saw you active, you were not afraid to attack.
Yes, at that moment, once Gigante left in pursuit of Longo BorghiniGiorgia on the radio told me to defend myself and hold on as much as possible. When Movistar took the climb during the chase, I felt like I was having a great day.I wasn't feeling the strain of the pace we were going. At that point, I decided to take matters into my own hands and try to ride my own race, and maybe even try to come back and win the stage. I didn't make it, but I don't regret anything overall.It was a great Giro.
You will also run the Tour Femmes?
Yup, I'm going to support Thalita De JongUnfortunately, she hasn't been very well lately, so we'll have to see how she gets to France. And consequently... We'll see if there are any opportunities for me to make the most of at some stage.I've certainly shown that I'm doing very well, I just have to see how long I can maintain this condition.
A condition that is more mental than physical?
Yes, absolutely. Tackling the Tour is always tough, especially in terms of stress. Il Giro Women's cycling I lived it as calmly as possible, thinking day by day and always with a smileI think this gave me an edge over the others. I'd say the team's spirits made the difference.
Now what goals has Barbara Malcotti set for herself?
Definitely getting some proper recovery time before going to France. Given how things are going, I'm thinking about wearing the Azzurri jersey between the World Cup and the European Championships. Or rather, I'm hoping for a call-up. Here, I'd like to put the icing on the cake with a victoryBut let's see how it goes...
