The Paris Olympics ended a couple of weeks ago. It seems like an eternity, but certain memories and emotions are still strong. Especially for those like Elena Cecchini she experienced them from the inside. And it is precisely the Italian, who took part in the road test, who guide us into the hidden Olympic Paris. The one about travel passes, special logistics, ceremonies.
Over the course of two weeks, we often heard athletes and journalists talk about how it wasn't always easy to get around, or eat at the village canteen. On the contrary, they told us about the magical atmosphere that reigned in the City of Light during those Olympic days.
Elena, let's go back to Paris. The Italian cycling team's headquarters were in Versailles, outside the city center...
Exact, Our hotel was on the route's main road, right on the straight-line section to be precise, and this was very convenient for training compared to the Olympic Village, which was in the center. Choices like this, choosing a different hotel, are the responsibility of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI). The Villaggio, for example, was ideal for the track and field students, who were just a five-minute walk from the stadium. For the days of the road races, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) had rented a downtown apartment for us, right near the start. It was an apartment for the blind and was very convenient for pre-race logistics. There we had the Italian chef, the spaces with our bikes, the rollers. The time trial athletes were able to relax before the races, as well as having the rest of us sleep in the night before. It was a very convenient setup, especially since we didn't have buses, but there were stands for the teams. The Olympic village was at least 45 minutes from the start point.
So you weren't at the Olympic Village?
One day. I went for a walk, to look around. Elia (Viviani, her husband, ed.) was there instead. He had gone for a session in the gym, which was available to the athletes, after the opening ceremony. He told me there were very long lines at the cafeteria, so he'd eaten at one of the village cafes. The food selection there was still good, and he'd taken advantage of it. I'm a little sorry I didn't experience the Olympic Village more. I remember the one in Rio, where there was a building for Nation. That was also a great experience. At the village we met up with all the Azzurri before going to the closing ceremony.
After your race, however, you remained in Paris…
On August 4th I ran and then the next morning I was already at the velodrome to see Elia and Vittoria Guazzini, who's a great friend of mine. I had previously booked a private B&B in the area. Having already competed, I was allowed access to the Olympic Village, but I couldn't sleep there.
And the tickets for the velodrome?
I bought them like a normal person back in the day. They'd open "temporary slots" once or twice a month: you had to be there, there was already a waiting list. Then I actually saw that you could also buy them on the spot.
Clear…
At first I only bought them for Elia's omnium and the guys in the quartet. While I missed Vittoria and Chiara's golden madison (Consonni, ed.). The thing is, after three days at the velodrome, I was exhausted. It was scorching hot, the music, the announcer, the chaos... I had a headache every night. But then, since I didn't go and they won, out of superstition, I said to Elia, "I don't know if I should come to your Madison, I'll stay in my apartment." But Elia, who isn't superstitious, told me to go. The week as a spectator was almost more tiring than the week as an athlete. But that way, I enjoyed the Olympics from both perspectives.
We've actually seen from your social media that you lived it to the fullest, especially at the closing ceremony...
That day we were out from 16pm to midnight. At 18pm there was the meeting at the village, it was really hot with those suits… but we had to stick to the code that the Cones. But it was a wonderful experience being in that stadium. It really gave you a sense of what the Olympics are all about. A very strong emotion.
Casa Italia: what was it like?
I've been there, although it's more for the medal-winning athletes than for the others. If you went, no one would kick you out, but you couldn't decide to go freely. When Chiara Consonni and Vittoria Guazzini won gold, they went directly from the velodrome to Casa Italia with all the staff on CONI transport. Instead, we welcomed Elia and Simone there with their Madison silver medals. When the medal-winning athletes arrived at Casa Italia, an emotional video was made of them, then they were interviewed, and then there was lunch. We also ate with them, and afterwards there was a party. Casa Italia was beautiful. It had a unique design, meticulously detailed. The Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) restored this villa and renovated it. Now it will be returned to the citizens.
And then, Elena, there were you, the protagonists, the athletes. Who did you meet?
At the Closing Ceremony I got a good look at Noah Lyles, the American sprinter who won the 100 meters. He was well-disposed, friendly, and easy-going, like everyone on the US team. They had these beautiful, colorful uniforms. They were rascals, with improbable glasses, real troublemakers... really beautiful to watch. And then the Rhythmic Gymnastics Butterflies. I saw them again. Pauline Ferrand Prevot, a friend of mine…
And among champions, among athletes, do we recognize each other?
Not all of them, but I'd say yes. Elia and I met Gregorio Paltrinieri and Rosella Fiamingo (They were also a couple in real life, ed.). Elia and Gregorio already knew each other. They had won gold in Rio on the same day: interviews, Casa Italia there too, and they had returned from Brazil on the same flight. From that moment on, they stayed in touch. Not to mention that we had also met in Livigno: Gregorio was also an altitude swimmer. Meanwhile, La Fiamingo knew who I was Elia's wife and what I did: she was also very easygoing. And then yes, We met and hung out with the track and field guys. Nadia Battocletti, for example, or Filippo Tortu. Well, Tortu is super laid-back and incredibly passionate about cycling. He knows everyone. Even these meetings have the beauty of the Olympics.
