SIENA – Despite his muscular and powerful build, Leonardo Meccia's gaze reveals a sense of shyness. The rider of Vangi-Sama Spare Parts-The Pirate started 2024 with a different gear, collecting many good placings and two important victories.
«Compared to 2023 when I was at Work Service – says Meccia – we have continued the work done. The condition slowly grew, the numbers went up, I have matured and at the start of this season I have achieved very good results".
The journey continues
Perhaps he still lacks the quality leap to compete in major international events. Moreover, the Eroica Juniores Nations Cup is only the third race of this level, the second stage. Away from prying eyes, in the shade of large, green-leaved trees and watched over by his teammate Marco Petrolati, we meet Leonardo Meccia.
«A big thank you – he continues – goes to the team's sporting directors and to those who follow me: starting from Matteo Berti e Fabio CamerinIt seems like I need to say who knows what, but simply in these first few months I found myself going faster. Berti and Camerin helped me a lot to understand how to improve in everything, starting from how to move in the race."
You changed teams, following Matteo Berti and Fabio Camerin to Vangi. Why?
First of all because they knew how to push me to always do better, they changed me. I'm discovering myself race after race, I'm a rider suited to undulating routes with short climbsI'm quite heavy, in the sense that I definitely don't have a climber's physique.
But you also know how to get there on your own.
In France, at the Bernadeau Junior, I managed to get there alone, which I do well on that type of routeIt's not always easy, which is why I also take care of the sprint and when the pack is small I can have my say.
This is your second international race of the season, how do you feel about races like this?
They are certainly different from the national or regional competitions we have in Italy. The level is higher, you can find foreign riders of great qualityThere are rarely any lulls, the pace is always high.
Is this a way to grow?
Regardless of how strong a rider is, in an international event everyone starts to win. It's a good mentality that makes you work harder, but then you come out better.Unfortunately, this is not the case in Italy.
You told us that the numbers and experiences have increased. Do you see room for further growth?
There is certainly a possible path for growth. There is still a lot of room for improvement, both mentally and physically.There's a lot to improve on, and I'm happy because I see no limits at the moment.
Did you keep the same working method with Camerin or did it change?
As for training, not so much. The difference is that last year (at Work Service, ed.) we received the bikes in January and we didn't train hard in the winter. This year, however, the bikes arrived immediately, so we got down to business right away.The preparation was more structured and suited to the races that had to be done.
What are your goals between now and the end of the season?
I will aim to do well at the GP Baron on May 11th and 12th (Nations' Cup race), since it's a race that suits me. Then there will be the Italian road and time trial championships (of which he holds the team title, won with Work in 2023, ed.). The hope is also to attract the attention of Salvoldi and be called up to the national team.
