Modern cycling gives rise to many questions, doubts and perplexitiesClaudio Chiappucci, who really knows a lot about this world, has agreed to answer to five questions on five current topics and he gave us his vision…
How is cycling changing?
«There was a great technological growth "The world today has changed a lot," says Chiappucci, "both in terms of planning and preparation. A shift is definitely underway."
Is Italy still dependent on Nibali?
«Currently – Chiappucci replies – we don't have a young person who can replace himWe're waiting for some, like Ciccone, to grow in this respect and prove themselves in a major Giro. Finding other names isn't impossible, but it's difficult at the moment; we just have to wait and, in the meantime, Nibali remains our great pointa».
Can Ganna win the Grand Tours?
«It's too early to say what he might do. He is a rider who is emerging and who he's coming under a bit of pressure. He's very good at time trials – suggests Chiappucci – but we need to give him time to grow and mature to tackle the climbs, which are crucial in stage races. It's one thing to race out of the race for the general classification and win a stage, even a fairly tough one, as he did in the last Giro d'ItaliaAnother is to run for the rankings, with the best ones keep an eye on you and don't let you go away so easily».
How do you see women's cycling?
«There was a leap in quality with regards to everything concerning the technical and practical aspects of the female world. Teams care about having the best for their athletes and in fact the biggest ones in the WorldTour have the same equipment as the corresponding men's teams. And above all, We Italians – says Chiappucci – should be proud to have athletes of a certain level who are able to assert themselves and prevail on the international stage."
Athletes of yesterday and today: what are the differences?
«The athletes of the past – reflects Chiappucci – had different characteristics than those of today. They had the ability to make themselves, they were great athletesToday, top-level cyclists have everything at their disposal thanks to technology and they have a well-composed and structured staff that helps them in various areasi. Someone like me was able to do everything by himself. I didn't need managers or other figures to support my image, I thought about it."
