There was a time when Chiara Consonni she was just Simone's little sister. She wasn't crazy about it. But since some things just can't be said, the blonde who often laughs continued to train and run. And while running, she found herself winning more and more often.
With four world championships and four European championships, today Chiara Consonni – who runs with the Valcar-Travel & Service – is one of the pillars of women's cycling in Italy. And while her quartet mates are proud to claim their preference for the track, she laughs and says she's 50-50. Because the track is beautiful, but the road is equally so.
"It's always difficult to decide," says Chiara, "because I've also won a lot on the road. They are emotions that you remember for a long time, different sensations, two opposite worldsLet's say that in our group I'm the least partisan."
At the end of our conversation, it'll be difficult to say whether there were more words or laughter. So let's move forward in good humor, which is a precious commodity these days.
Chiara, what does it feel like to be one of the pillars of the quartet?
It's important. If you make a mistake, it affects everyone. I prefer the quartet to a scratch, where you run for yourself aloneThe fact that Paternoster and Balsamo weren't there could have been felt if we weren't a large and close-knit group. We've been running together for a long time. Perhaps only Silvia Zanardi was a new addition, but she was also the most motivated of all.
Are you such good friends?
We are a nice group, but we live far away, so we only hang out on bikes. Only with Martina Fidanza do we happen to see each other, because we live in the same town, so we might go out to dinner.
Are all victories beautiful?
You never get used to it, Winning is always better.
Is it also possible to do error analysis?
Mistakes are always the same; we notice them the moment we make them. That's why we celebrate first and then take stock. It usually happens when we cool down on the rollers and, while it's still hot, we tell each other how it went. If too much time passes, mistakes are forgotten and you only think about partying.
Do you ever train with Simone?
Practically never. We see each other. We talk. If I have a problem with my bike or in life I write to "Simo", he is my point of referenceBut otherwise he's always out and about, we never meet.
How does it feel to have stepped out of his shadow?
I admit that at first it bothered me a little to be considered only his sister., but now I worry less. Perhaps partly because I've reached my dimension. Maybe now he will be recognized as Chiara's brother.
From the track to the road.
From Fiorenzuola to Flanders and then to De Panne. Then the Italian championships, finally they'll race the Vuelta finale. It's not easy to go from track to roadThese are completely different efforts. That's why we can't expect much from the races up North, because I've certainly lost distance and race pace. But I was dying to do Flanders.
Why?
Because the first year I fell twice. And the second time I found myself alone at the foot of a wall. I did it in the middle of two wings of people cheering me on; they were all for me. I think it was the most emotional moment since I've been racing.How to be in the lead, with the foresight to not raise your arms at the finish line...
What kind of winter do you predict for Chiara Consonni?
The season was short but intense, so maybe I'll take the usual month off and then get back to it. The plan for next year is to start off strong., so there's going to be some fighting. And frankly, I can't wait.
