Samuele Zoccarato is one of those "sandpaper" riders: tough, rough, and even when things go well, something doesn't quite go right... but he never gives up. For example, A few days ago he won his first pro race, and shortly after he had a problem with his saddle. Imagine, when we reached him, he'd just finished a workout. Of course, you might say... Yes, but the workout was running. In fact, he can't pedal right now.
But we really like the fact that he won that race. It's a beautiful story. On a cold day, with inclement weather, the athlete of the Polti-VisitMalta he takes home the Mirabelle Tower, A small race in northeastern France. So, with Zoccarato, perhaps this is the perfect time to reflect on what has happened and, above all, what will happen.
Samuele, let's start with your victory. Can we consider it a lifetime achievement award? At least so far, because we wish you many more victories...
Yes, go on! I'm happy because anyway when you go to do those ".2" races Winning is never a given, because above all, being a professional you are always kept under observation.
The level is high there too now…
Exactly, the level is high everywhere because everyone is able to train well, eat well, do everything. So I basically consider them professionals who haven't had the chance to find a contract yet. In the end, however, I did the highest average watts of my life with running. The highest average watts of the entire race ever.
Quickly, tell us how the race went?
From kilometer zero I started to attack and immediately went into the breakaway with about ten riders. We were in a full-on breakaway for 30 kilometers, but despite everything, we were caught on a steep climb. At that point, I immediately set off again, and then the five of us broke away. We stayed like that until 30 kilometers from the finish, with the group following in spurts, when about ten more riders came back. In the finale, I decided to move up before the last two climbs. A guy followed me, and I dropped him on the final climb and went to the finish…
All in all, a great run. You certainly didn't hold back! What was going through your head when you crossed the finish line?
In the end, I have to be honest, I was calm. Maybe it's because I thought that racing like this wouldn't change my career, but I was calm. I was happy, but only up to a point; I was aware of it. I certainly don't want to say, "I've freed myself." "I finally won," or anything like that. I had a great race, I came in first, and I'm happy. That's it.
Were there any particular calls that you enjoyed?
Many congratulated me. He called me. Iván Basso to congratulate me and thank me for my contribution to the team.
But let's move on and talk about the present. Why were you running on foot?
Unfortunately I had to end the season early due to a problem with my saddle. I decided to run on foot so as not to stop immediately, otherwise my break would be too long. The season was scheduled until October 19th. I had to do all the Italian races. So now I'm trying to... hold on as long as possible and at least get to the end of October, also because I'm going on holiday for two weeks this year.
Clear…
Stopping now would have taken too long. I can't "extend" this cycling phase, so I'm looking for other activities like the gym and running. Just this morning (yesterday, ed.) I went to buy a pair of good running shoes. I'd like to get to some pretty hard training.
Did you ask anyone for advice or are you doing it yourself?
I know a coach who follows some riders and I asked you to give me some advice on the technique, because running well is not a given for someone like me who comes from years and years of only cycling.
Samuele, let's look ahead a bit. What's in store for next season, given that your contract is expiring?
We'll see if I'll stay at Polti, but that might not be a given. There's another opportunity on the table. Let's see... I don't know more right now. But these days will certainly be decisive.
Anyway, you want to continue, right?
I've thought about it enough and I can say that I would like to continue running. I'm still very motivated. But through this reflection, I've also realized what's holding me back a bit: the risks involved. And they're increasingly more so for a professional cyclist. And I don't just mean in training on the roads, but in racing. Running is dangerous: this is the only “con” if I count the pros and cons.
What are you referring to specifically?
With the speeds we go at now, with the courses we have, I wouldn't say at every race, but almost, the dangerous moments are always more frequent. And there is also less respect in the group. Situations are more chaotic and when all is said and done the risk is higher.
The feeling, Samuele, is that in the end, having listened over the years to those who trained and managed you, you've achieved a little less than what drives you. Is that true?
There is. My problem is that I have characteristics that are very well suited to being a team player. But professional riders tend to look for someone who can get results: even a top 10 or top 20 finish, no matter how small, can be good. They're looking for someone who can score points and get results... and that's not really my style. Also because it changes the way you race.
Explain yourself better…
I can get results in races where long-distance running and hard running come into play… Then my qualities of resilience emerge. Going back to before: I can say I reaped a little less than others expected, because I was also wrong. I was too generous… in every sense.
Ironically, you might almost be better suited to a WorldTour team than a professional one, perhaps serving under an important leader. It comes to mind. dillier: someone who leads the first 200 kilometers of the Sanremo for Van der Poel…
But even the WorldTours, at least most of them, look at results... like the professional ones. And you can't get through. Often, those who get results in a professional team move up to a WorldTour team but stop there. If you find someone who is "half and half" and therefore cannot work like a true team player should, nor win like a leader, then it doesn't last long.
