“It’s a difficult job,” says Canola. “I used to live on dreams, I was very naive. I discovered instead that professionalism is a continuous renewalEvery year you do the same things, you train well, you eat well... you have to be ready. Over the years, I've become a point of reference for my teammates, I like that. But just this morning in training I thought I really want to win another oneIf all goes as I hope, 2022 will be the year to raise our arms to the sky.I've even dreamed about it many times during this period, you know? A final coup and a solo finish.Victory gives a greater meaning to this effort. And I believe in destiny. When you push hard to get something, you eventually get it... ».
Revelation at the Giro
Marco Canola He is 32 years old and has won 9 races in his careerThe first at 24 in Malaysia, the second at 26 at the finish line in Rivarolo Canavese at the Giro d'ItaliaFrom Bardiani he then moved to United Healthcare, then two years with 7 victories at Nippo-Fantini and when this closed its doors in 2020 he arrived at Gazprom-RusveloEverything was there for the path of victories to resume and yet the fall of Mallorca, which has already been talked about without giving it the importance it deserves, has frozen his hopes.
«Last year – he says – I had a big accident and it took me a long time to recoverIn 2021 I had the improvement I was hoping for, but still I felt far from Marco della NippoI didn't leave there without victories, I thought I would arrive here and make a change, instead I wasn't myself anymore. During the race, but also in the final stages where I usually became a beast.I was like… off. My mechanism was like it was seized. I saw a mental coach. I especially saw a neurologist and in the end… we found that there were some complications at the clinical level which have now resolved. That's why I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to raise my arms. In fact, I really need it..."
The recovery comes at the right time, given the new wind blowing in the team, right?
Sedun It's having a profound impact, I think it's clear even from the outside. We've changed our skin and è thanks to Renat (Khamidulin, general manager of Gazprom, ed.) seized the moment for the turning pointThere's always been great potential in this team, but no one had managed to organize it to bring it out. Now, thanks to the work of many, it seems that this is happening. There have been important arrivals thanks to which I'm sure we'll take flight.
Among the trainers is Benfatto, an old acquaintance of yours…
We were teammates and above all opponents and now I find myself working with him. As students and juniors, no race went by without us giving each other a hard time.But there was never an argument, maybe because my victories were more than his (laughs, ed.).
When did you learn he would become a trainer at Gazprom?
One day he wrote to me and told me he wanted to talk to me. I called him and he gave me the preview. I'm happy, it's a good acquisition. And after so many years of career, it could be useful.
Right, your career: where are you at?
An important point. It's been two years since I've been here. I wanted to win straight away, but due to the fall I found myself doing a good job with my teammates, building the new generation.I like being a role model for young people. I encourage them. I give them advice. I advise them on decisions to make on the fly. I'm the one who waits for them when they're struggling, who pulls them along and sets the example. I arrive at training before the others. Kids need to understand that they shouldn't waste time, but also that they can't have everything right away. (his words refer directly to the definition of leader, which I explored in depth in recent days, ed.). But basically I still want to win.
Is there a right recipe?
I'm going for it. I don't back down a single meter, I hammer if I see that he's slacking offYou can't win alone, you have to create a group. And above all, you must not forget that In addition to the professionalism, there is a fun component that should not be forgottenOtherwise it won't last.
Maybe this is why so many people struggle to stay motivated today?
Always being very tight, There's a fine line to balance on and it's very easy to fall to the other side.. Then going back up is not easy at all. Cycling is not for everyoneI wish everyone a great career. But now I'm focusing on myself. I know I have a lot to give and I really want to do it.
