One day, Marco Fortunato took Lorenzo to play with the bike at a local company, in San Lazzaro di SavenaBecause at that age the bike “is” a game, but he never would have thought that that day would have such a huge impact on their lives.. Because his son never stopped pedaling, running, he got more and more into it until he became one of the most promising talents in Italian cyclingOne of the few who can truly aspire to an important role in the major stage races, starting with the Giro which is knocking on the door (at the start he is with the school children and with Simone Velasco, now at Astana).
He couldn't have known it then, but Marco didn't even know that that passion would take over him too.. Because after Lorenzo, having gained his experiences as a very young man, took flight, Marco remained at the heart of the company, continued to take care of the little ones and eventually became a manager of the Emilian club.
The conversation therefore starts from him, from his experiences: «The San Lazzaro di Savena Cycling Society celebrated its first fiftieth anniversary in 2019 and has always dealt with the smaller categories. We now have about ten kids with us and we can see firsthand that the numbers are constantly decreasing.».
Why? Is it the fault of today's society's habits, which put smartphones in kids' hands and then forget them?
No, the passion for cycling is still strong, I can assure you. The problem is that parents are afraid to entrust them, to let them go out on bikes, because the risks on the road are enormous. For this reason We inaugurated an 800 square meter facility with a mountain bike track, a city circuit set up in a green area right inside San Lazzaro di Savena. So parents know they can leave their children in complete safety.
How did your involvement begin?
Through Lorenzo, he remained in the club from the smallest category up to the students, because at that time there were other numbers and we also had the beginners and students categories. We maintained a good relationship with the Work Service by Levorato and I do not hide that, If things start to improve, we plan to resume following the boys up to that category and then transfer them to his company.
But did the push come from Lorenzo or from you?
I was already cycling, doing amateur activities, tackling Granfondos but with the typical cycle touring spirit. Lorenzo came with me and he was passionate about it, he liked cycling with me, so the thing started to take off.. I can assure you, however, that he already enjoyed climbing back then…
Could you see that he had quality?
Honestly, we didn't ask ourselves this question at the time. At that age, cycling should be just a chance for fun and games. You can't try to become champions, you just have to let them run wild. I am convinced that maturation must be a slow process, I realize that too much pressure is put on today's kids, This hunt for early champions is just a disservice. Also because we forget that everyone has their own pace, some children develop earlier and others later, physically and otherwise.
Are there also girls in the company?
In the past they existed, now they don't, they are all male, but society is open to them too.
Let's go back to Lorenzo, the Giro is approaching and so good memories come back to mind.
Certainly. We didn't expect a Giro like the one in 2021.. I remember that when I saw on TV that he was uphill with the strongest, I was speechless..
What do you expect?
We keep our feet on the ground, we know he's going strong and has worked harder than ever. It's clear he's seen differently now, What matters is his attitude, in my opinion it's the right one, I see him calm and determined, with a serenity that he also transmits to us who are around him.
What do they say in society? Do children know it?
Of course, he's an idol for them. We always organize a small event to get them and their families involved. He also came to the last edition and brought Velasco with him, who is his neighbor and trains with him (opening photo). They threw him a lot of celebrations, everyone wanted a photo with them. Lorenzo cares a lot about it, he is very attached to the company and to those who have been close to him since the very first times.e.
By the way, the Giro will pass through your area…
He did it last year too, in fact Lorenzo asked permission to pass in front of the group and it was a resounding celebration from the crowd, everyone waving at him, with the children in the front row. This year there will be many more, I'm sure.
