As we arrive in Padua, a clear sky appears through the windows. The first snow-capped mountains are distant, a strange sight in these parts considering it's February 12th. The sun invites us to leave our jackets on, even if the wind doesn't allow it. The number 10 bus, passing over the cobblestones of the historic center, comfortably takes us to Via Chiesanuova. Here is the center of the Bmx Panther Boys team, where the national Bmx team led by is training Thomas Lupi. Accompanied, in these two days by Daniele bennati, who began his adventure on the pedals with this very discipline when he was 9-10 years old.
«I had seen a team from Arezzo and I was intrigued so I tried it – he says – there wasn't a track like this and all the facilities we have today. I have to say I'm happy to see how the movement has grown."
Group photo on the track, with the two Italian national team players Bennati and Lupi (photo Scanferla) In the morning, starting practice, Marco Radaelli in the rainbow jersey Starting tests also for Lorenzo Stella The two champions compared This year the under 23 category has been added, which Radaelli will be included in.
Group photo on the track, with the two Italian national team players Bennati and Lupi (photo Scanferla) In the morning, starting practice, Marco Radaelli in the rainbow jersey Starting tests also for Lorenzo Stella The two champions compared This year the under 23 category has been added, which Radaelli will be included in.
An Odd Couple
"The Federation – says Tommaso Lupi – from this year he has opened his doors to us, consequently collaborations and opportunities for expansion of our movement have increased».
There is also Diego Bragato with whom Tommaso and his boys had worked exactly one year ago on the track in Montichiari.
«The BMX – Tommaso continues – it is a world that is constantly growing in our countryThe kids are increasingly interested, and this fills us with pride. The convergence between our world and that of the street these days isn't about preparation, but more about teamwork and pushing the kids out of their comfort zones. With the arrival of Daniele (Bennati, ed.) as city manager we wanted to bring our worlds closer together».
We are working towards Paris
“There are two and a half years to go until the next Olympics,” Tommaso says with a smile, “and I have a lot of work to do. I'm proud to say that we will also be working with a female group, even if I see it as difficult for us to participate in the next Olympics with them.In this field we work with a view to Los Angeles 2028It would be nice to arrive where our discipline was born with such an important innovation. In the meantime, next month in Vigevano there will be a meeting of students and young people and a female group led by will also be present Gaia Tormena, who asked me several times to try this discipline."
Investments are increasing
We noticed that some of the riders' bikes had cyclocomputers on them, and we took the opportunity to investigate...
«We are starting to train with more equipment Lupi replies, "In addition to heart rate monitors, we're also starting to use power meters. In this case, the ones used on the road can't be used with the same precision for our discipline due to the difference in effort." The power meter used on the road is not suitable for us because it has a slight "delay" in data transmissionThe Federation, thanks also to Diego Bragato, spoke with SRM and purchased power meters designed specifically for BMX.
«Combining road and BMX is possible, These are different efforts, but with good work we could see some great innovations. The maximum effort made at the start is well over 2.000 watts and the brevity of the races (30-40 seconds, ed.) leads one to think that you can also bring out some interesting sprinters or last men. "
Lupi, Bragato, and Bennati during the BMX national team training camp in Padua. The two cities in conversation: a remarkable sum of experience
Lupi, Bragato, and Bennati during the BMX national team training camp in Padua. The two cities in conversation: a remarkable sum of experience
Past in common
Daniele Bennati, a new Azzurri player, is intrigued by the athletes' bikes and asks for information. While we listen silently.
«The saddle is at the minimum height for everyone – explains Lupi – because in the race you never sit down, you use it in the jumps to maintain balanceFrames are made of two materials: carbon and aluminum. Riders generally choose carbon frames because they are stiffer and transfer power to the ground betterThe peculiarity is in the rear carriage, there are brands that make them separated so that athletes can find the correct size for their needs."
During a test start, Radaelli breaks the rear crown Here is the damaged piece There were no shortage of crashes in the morning session
During a test start, Radaelli breaks the rear crown Here is the damaged piece There were no shortage of crashes in the morning session
The explanations are interrupted by a nasty fall from one of the boys. Once they've made sure he's okay, Bennati raises the stakes.
«They should introduce BMX – he says – in all youth teamsYou practice your basic technique a lot and you do it safely, away from traffic. If you put one of these guys on a road bike, mountain bike or downhill bike you will see that they adapt promptlyDual discipline, of any kind, should be a must for young people. In Italy, people immediately look to the streets, but not everyone is suited to it. We need to give kids the chance to try new things, have fun, and choose their own discipline.
