The caravan of the Giro-E She arrived in Rome yesterday, after a two-day transfer that started directly from Three peaks of Lavaredo. Among those who find themselves pedaling on the roads of the Giro-E and the pink race there is Sacha Modolo (Instagram photo at the top). The Venetian finished his professional career last year and is now enjoying a different kind of cycling.
“Slow” cycling
«One of the things that struck me the most – he attacks Modolo - is finally realize how passionate the public is about cyclingI happened to see, while we were crossing the Giau Pass after the Val di Zogno stage, a lot of people stationed on the hairpin bends with their campers. You don't notice it when you're a professional, There are certain things you don't have time to see.. One couple in particular struck me, they were quite elderly, we were driving by and they were sitting outside the camper reading a book. Ever since I was little – he continues – I've always run and I've never been on the roads of the Giro d'Italia».
How did it make you feel?
It's only right that professionals are aware of the love people have for riders. Sometimes, maybe, you take all this lightly., especially when you're in the "centrifuge" of running.
You noticed it thanks to the Giro-E, what was the experience like?
I really enjoyed it, They have already asked me if I would be available to participate next yearI said yes right away. And to think that at first I wasn't sure I wanted to participate, I was hesitant.
Have you healed your cycling wound?
Yes, I've found a new way to experience cycling, with more peace of mind. The Giro-E allowed me to meet many people and cyclists from other specialtiesI realized that the road is just a drop in the ocean of cycling.
Which of the other disciplines fascinates you the most?
Il gravel. I had the chance to run the Italian championship last year, where I came third. And I also took part in the world in Veneto.
And the e-bike? Was it your first time on one?
Yes, I have to admit that I like it. People don't understand the great potential of this medium.It allows everyone to ride anywhere, to make you enjoy the bike and the landscapes which you would otherwise have no way of appreciating.
People on the street still recognize you, you can see it on social media.
It's nice and I'm happy. The other day we were at the hotel checking in and the owner looked at me a couple of times and then said, "You're Modolo!" It'll happen for a few more years, but then maybe it won't happen again.
Seeing the pros from the outside, what effect did it have on you?
Given the Tre Cime stage, I didn't envy them much – he chuckles – while on arrival of Caorle it made me a little angryJust that morning, it had been pointed out to me that I was the last Venetian rider to have won a stage of the Giro in his region. Since it was in the air that Dainese If I could win, they asked me if it would bother meI said no, absolutely not, it's right to move forward. I'm very happy for "Daino" and that evening I wrote to congratulate him.
What do you miss about sprinting?
The adrenaline of those 20 seconds where I let out all the anger I had in my body. Looking from the outside I realize how tightrope cyclists are., these are emotions that nothing else can give me.
In the meantime, you've found a way to stay in the scene. We saw that you're also following a guy, and he recently won.
His name is Alessandro Borgo, a junior (from the Work Service, ed.). It's a different emotion, this one is also very beautiful.A few months ago I started collaborating with Mori and Piccioli, the agents who followed me as a rider.
You told us you wanted to work with young people.
Yes, I would like to follow them and give them what I didn't have when I was junior . It is now a fundamental category and I have realised that they are often aloneThe project is to follow some kids in my area and create a staff or at least a network of people who follow themI'll give you an example.
Go!
Borgo had injured his knee and needed to see a physiotherapist to get checked out. He couldn't find any appointments, so I went out and found him someone.
When he won a few days later, what did you feel?
It was really nice, helping him overcome an obstacle and then winning made me emotional. I have a lot of experience in the world of cycling, but I don't want to be the first one, I could, but there are professionals and it's right that everyone does their job. I like to coordinate, I'm good at it, RCS also pointed this out to me at the Giro-E and they were happy. So much so that they invited me back.
