Little Tour of Emilia from a few Sundays ago: First John DeCarlo, OintmentAccording to Federico Iacomoni, Zalf. Third Simone Raccani, Zalf. Triplets like this have not been that rare in the Italian calendar over the years, but today they take on a different meaning knowing the moment of the oldest team in the Italian under-23 panorama.
The story of that day is similar to others in recent weeks because the unfortunate possibility that the Castelfranco Veneto company will not be able to continue seems to have given extra strength to all the riders of the historic Treviso teamDe Carlo himself makes this clear with the passion of his words.
«It had been a very eventful race where we had moved with great caution, covering each other, responding to many attempts in the hot phases of the raceOn the last climb I tried to use my strength, then at the top Iacomoni caught up with me and we continued together."
At that point, did you first decide who should win?
We also talked about it with the sports director. I had been looking for a victory for a long time and I needed it precisely in light of what will be, of the search for a future.We reached an agreement and I have to thank Federico and his teammates for this prestigious success.
What does this team mean to you?
It's very important, it's a bit like the representation of a dream coming true. I'm from the province of Treviso and anyone who starts cycling, takes part in their first races, or wants to continue on this path has always had Zalf as a reference. It's a bit like the home team, a sort of local national team that everyone wants to join, and I deliberately use the present tense because each of us has a small hope that all this won't end.
How are you coping with the team these past few weeks, following the announcement of the risk of closure and the main sponsor's withdrawal?
We found out this summer and honestly it was a shock for everyone.However, we tried to react immediately, not to let ourselves be discouraged, and instead we closed ranks. It goes without saying, but we're running knowing it could be the last time and so we're giving 110 percent.We live the activity calmly, thinking about doing our duty until the last minute, collecting everything we can, honoring this glorious jersey.
What sensation did you perceive?
They communicated it to us very calmly, ahead of the season finale, precisely to allow everyone to find a new home. It is not, as often happens, that it closes down due to internal disagreementsIt's probably just the end of a cycle, as happens in many areas of life, although I repeat, a small door was left open. This has given us a much greater desire to emerge, and I think it shows in the competition; we have that light in our eyes that other teams don't have. It's no coincidence that after they announced the news, the results came pouring in.
Coming to your case, you're a second-year Elite. What now?
I would like to continue, clearly my advancing age (even if saying it at 23 is really strange...) doesn't play in my favorI'm considering what to do. Obviously, every result counts; in fact, in all the races I've done since the Giro del Friuli, I've never finished outside the top 10. I still have a couple of years in the category that I'd like to make the most of. It's a strange time; it's not easy to race without knowing if I'll still be battling on these roads next year.
The palmarés of these last few weeks is on your side…
I hope someone notices. I'm a rouleur-climber, capable of excelling on multiple terrains. This year I've brought home one victory and 13 top 10 finishes so far., also finishing fifth at the Giro del Veneto. I believe I can contribute to each team, both by helping others and by focusing on the result. Of course, if news arrives that we're continuing, it would be like an early Christmas present...
