The four stages of the Giro della Lunigiana highlighted two absolute protagonists: Paul Seixas and Lorenzo Finn. We've written extensively about the two young men who made a name for themselves on the roads of Liguria and Tuscany. A Frenchman and an Italian who, with great probability, will be among the main figures of the junior world championships ZurichMany have said it, from coach Salvoldi to the same opponents who fought against Finn and Seixas, until their legs gave out. Now it's a matter of taking the right lane to arrive at the world championship appointment in the best condition.But the obstacles to the rainbow jersey have names and surnames: the most popular is Albert Philipsen.
Sumpik on the launch pad
Dino Salvoldi he called the Zurich affair a three-horse race, even if he outsider They are different starting from who completed the podium of the Race of Future Champions: Pavel SumpikThe boy from the Czech Republic grew up in Roman Kreuziger Cycling Academy but he sends the considerations back to the sender.
«The route suits me quite well – analyses Sumpik – but you have to be careful. Last year's experience taught me to be calmThere are a lot of guys who want to win. Albert Philipsen will be the man to watch. He could win again, This season he has proven to be very strong. The climbs in Zurich suit him perfectly."
The new Slovenian plan
Others were on the list of contenders, but bad luck struck them in different ways. Among them was Jacob Ormzel, the Slovenian winner of the junior Paris-Roubaix was sidelined in a crash on the first stage in Lunigiana. Slovenia's plans change radically, from being one of the favorites they go to having to reinvent the race.
«The accident caused a great scare – says the Slovenian coach – but we are happy that Omrzel be well. Of course he was our captain for the World Cup, we have other strong riders but we will have to change the way we compete. There will be plenty of opportunities to try and get ahead of the favourites, like joining a breakaway right from the start. The course is tough, and you're pushing as hard as you are in the group. Valjavec It is equally strong on short, explosive climbsIt will be a battle between the best climbers in my opinion.
France all-in
The young Roosters will focus entirely on the qualities of Paul Seixas, winner of the Giro della Lunigiana and the author of a top-notch season. He won everywhere, from Liège to the most challenging stage races.
"Lunigiana," the coach said, "was a step in preparation for the World Cup, and I'd say the feedback has been positive. We have worked well in the past, with a training camp in the Alps in the week before Lunigiana. Naturally for the World Championship our sole leader will be Paul SeixasWe've seen how he's perfectly at ease on short climbs. It certainly won't be easy, because it's a one-day race that takes a month to prepare for."
Belgium on the attack
Serge Pauwels's team has plenty of options. One of the most interesting would have been Aldo Tailleu, but he too suffered a crash and will be out of contention.
«The selection was not easy – he explains – but we will have many valid riders, no designated captain probablyIn Zurich, the final climb will be far from the finish, about twenty kilometers. It's not a given that the best climber will win, there might be room for a rouleur. We have good alternatives like Jasper Schoofs or Matijs Van Strijthem. We'll see, because the team will count for quite a lot in my opinion, those final twenty flat kilometers open up to different scenarios."
