There is a lot of snow outside, it's cold, but inside the Rifugio Sapienza The atmosphere is so warm and peaceful that it makes it very pleasant to sit at a table and chat. Silvia Zanardi, athlete of the BePink, begins to tell his story and his cycling career was born from a constant “fight” with his mother who wanted him to continue dancing.
Leaving dance for cycling…
My brother had started cycling and I, for a year, I always went to watch trainingThe world of cycling fascinated me a lot, mainly because every Sunday I could compete and compete with other girls; while in dance the only moment of comparison was the essay which was done once a year and that didn't sit well with me. The following year I managed to convince my mother and I started at G2.
Do you remember your first victory?
My last G6 race was organized by my team, and I really wanted to do well. I remember the emotions of that moment very well. I have a photo of the finish line of that race hanging in my room. I didn't raise my hands because I wasn't allowed to according to the rules, but I let out a huge scream.
The most beautiful one?
I've done some a couple on the road and on the track, the one that is closest to my heart is definitely double gold at the 2018 Junior Track World Championships: the quartet and the points race. Two rainbow jerseys, truly a dream.
Track or road?
Track! I don't mind training. Every week. I can't wait to go to the Montichiari velodrome, time flies by.
How did you discover this specialty?
As a first year rookie, I was in a men's team where I was trained a lotThen the following year I joined a women's team and started right away. The Firenzuola track was right near my house, and I was completely hooked.
Your workouts…
I like it go for long walks in company. If you're feeling a little down... by speaking you chase away negative thoughts And it also makes a workout of more than 100 kilometers that passes quickly very pleasant. If I'm alone, however, I put on my headphones and think, I think a lot, a bit about everything. Cycling is my outletFor example, when I have to do specific tasks, I prefer to be alone, but during long ones… I'd go crazy! (laughs, ed.)
How do you prepare for a big date?
My trainer helps me a lot during training, he always tries to push me and motivate meWhen I have to prepare for an important competition, I follow everything he tells me to the letter, especially when it comes to diet. Even if it's a little difficult... I really like sweetsSometimes I have to hold back!
The school?
I did the art high school, honestly… (he looks and bursts out laughing, ed.) I wasn't that great. I didn't like studying, but I really liked drawing.Come on… you can't do everything, I dedicated myself to sports.
Silver at the 2020 European Championships on elite track…
It was a bit of a blowOf course, I would have loved to stand on the top step of the podium. But, as one of my teammates, who I think is very mature, always tells me: "It's not a lost medal, but a silver medal won."And it's true, I'm young, I'm in my second year as an U23 and even just racing with the elite was a huge opportunity and for this I'm very grateful to Dino (Dino Salvoldi, Italian track coach, ed.).
Your next goal?
Theoretically it was to participate in the 2024 Olympics, but Dino gave me a half hope of being called up to the Tokyo games and I'm trying my best to do that. On the road I would like to win a classic, but I don't really have a dream race that I want to conquer.
What's the most exciting victory of one of your teammates?
Martina Fidanz wins the European Elite Championshipsa. We were all there cheering for her, we really believed in it (her eyes become watery, ed.). There was a girl on the run and when Dino told her to go, she followed what he told him to the letter and managed to win (she gets emotional and tears run down her face, as if he were reliving the moment, ed.).
Martina Fidanza…
I've been bonding with her a lot lately.We even share a room here on Etna. I have a good relationship with everyone. Sure, we're all different; there are the slightly wilder ones like Consonni, and the quieter ones who balance out the group. I'm halfway thereHaving a close-knit group is very important. When we see that one of us is feeling a little down, we try to joke around and make her have fun.
What does cycling represent for you?
This sport teaches you not to give up and to believe in yourselfWhen you're training for an event, you have to think about the goal and focus on it so you don't get discouraged. A phrase I always repeat to a great friend of mine, Martina Sgrisleri, who isn't on my team, but we ran together in the youth categories, is this: "Remember why we're doing this! We want to achieve what we want, that's what matters!" Cycling is truly a school of life. It helps you express yourself 100 percent and teaches you to compare yourself to other people, is a step above all other sports.
Is there anything you don't like?
The cobblestones! I don't like them at all. Even the cobblestones inside the villages drive me crazy; I can't push them. And then the wind... it's horrible (he snorts and rolls his eyes, ed.).
Who is an idol for you?
Giorgia Bronzini it is a point of referenceShe gave me a lot of advice, her career was great and I would like to get half the jerseys she won.
If I hadn't cycled…
Of course (smiles, ed.) I wouldn't have become a dancer! I've always loved sports like volleyball and track and field.
The secret to success in sports?
Have fun! They taught me that especially when you're little you always have to have funYou shouldn't always think only about winning. And that's what I've always done and what I continue to do.
