LAIGUEGLIA – The Italian under 23 champion, Edoardo Zamperini, began his new adventure in the development team of theArkea B&B Hotels. For this first part of the season the Venetian has competed in ten days of competition, all with the WolrdTour teamThe last event in this short series was the Laigueglia Trophy, where he made himself available to his teammates. After many years in Italy too Zamperini he decided to try his luck abroad, responding to the call of the French team (opening photo GettyImages).
«The first race with the continental team – says Zamperini a few minutes before the start – will be the Circuit des Ardennes. I'm experiencing this year as a period of transition.Last season was tough in many ways. I'd started with high expectations and a heavy load of responsibility since the winter; I wanted to do well at all costs. I wasn't prepared to play a possible fourth year as an under-23 in Italy, so I put myself under pressure from January onwards. Then, the crash in May brought on another period of tension, and it was all a matter of chasing. I didn't reach my goal of turning pro but I did a nice step in this senseSo 2025 wants to be a year where I do things 100 percent but with less stress. I want to gain experience."
You're finding a different way to run, supporting your teammates...
In the past years I have often played the captain's role but I was always ready to make myself available. Even last season I supported my teammates a few times., I knew that coming to a bigger team this would be my “destiny”.
How are you finding these new roles?
Good. For example, at the Classic Var, a lot of the work was trying to get up the final climb in the front positions. My task was to put Vauquelin in the lead and I succeeded. It's part of the experience I want to have, because one day if and when I'm the captain I'll know what to ask of my teammates.
Have you already entered into certain dynamics?
Yes, also because in such a big reality as a WorldTour team, even though I am in the I have to team up, they don't explain things a thousand times. Everything is organized and works well, but once you've said how something works it's better to understand it straight away.. Outside there is a line of riders wanting to take your place.
How do you feel?
I'm someone who quickly understands how to move in a group and I consider myself good tactically. The team has already given me some delicate tasks (like escorting the captain to the last climb, ed.) and I showed my skills.
What is missing to achieve the best condition?
A little rhythm. For this season I have set myself the goal of entering the targetI'm not thinking about results, but about showing that I can keep up with the best. What you can't get to with your legs, you can do with tactics. On a few occasions, I managed to take the final climbs in front and then I didn't have the legs to keep up with the strongest. It's a factor that on the one hand makes me feel at ease., because in this cycling it's important to be smart and know how to move. The condition will come later.
Are you learning French?
I've started to understand and master the terms related to cycling and running, but I want to learn it well, both to socialize with teammates and to talk to the coachesI'm an extrovert, so I'd like to be more involved in certain group dynamics.
Tell us about this part too, about your relationship with the staff.
I'm getting used to this as well. Even though I'm in the I have to team up We are working in WorldTour mode, that is, in blocks: training, racing, rest. It's a new way of doing things and I have to get used to it.Until a few months ago I was used to running every Sunday, so the way I worked was different. Little by little we find the right way to do everything and I also understand what is best to do.
Do you get along well with the trainer?
This is also something I'm working on. In the past years I have always worked with Rocchetti and I was used to a very close relationshipHe knew me well and would follow me during training at least once a week. Now that's no longer possible; we work remotely and with files. But that's how it is in big teams, so I'm learning to manage it.
Compared to an Italian continental team, what has changed in the organization?
It's all scary and much more international. The team helps me a lot but at the same time personal responsibility comes into playUntil last year, travel and trips were organized by the team, who would then pick me up at home or nearby. Now they send me the plane tickets and I have to manage the transport to the airport or the lunch.. From these things too you learn to be a professional cyclist.
