A change of sides that few would have predicted. Arianna Fidanza will race for the team in 2023 Ceratizite leaving the Team BikeExchange – Jayco after two years together. Needless to say, the reference to the fact that reach your sister Martina It's inevitable. From his words, however, it's clear that it wasn't that decisive. Behind this family (sporting) reunion, one can instead perceive a personal vendetta and the intent to understand if he can aspire to some important results. After two years of gregariousness, perhaps conditioned by the knee injury contracted halfway through the 2021 season, Arianna now wants to carve out your own space.
Time trials remain a secondary objective. Under Marco Pinotti, this year's event marked a revival of the discipline, but without significant results. For next season, time trials remain key, with the former coach's support remaining, despite the team change.
Back from vacation you've already been to Germany to meet your new team...
Yes, I came back from the Maldives and just made a quick trip to get some measurements for the new bike.
Are you already riding with the new materials?
They'll give me the bike at the first training camp we'll have in December. I've started pedaling, going on a few short rides. completely unplugged for two weeks And I admit it's not too easy. But little by little he's recovering.
Let's take a step back: what kind of 2022 was it?
Compared to 2021 it was a positive yearI didn't expect to recover so well from my knee injury. I started off well and this year I've made myself available to the team. My individual performances have always been good and all things considered, I am satisfied.
Welcome back, time trial. At the World Championships, you told us that you wanted to get back to working seriously on it. How did it go?
It was my first experience at the World Time Trial Championships. It's the first year I've worked on it, focusing more on training. I started out once a week, then after fifth place for the Italian I kept working on it. I did the European time trial and it didn't go as I wanted Because I was coming off a crash in Norway. I wasn't at my best physically, and I wasn't able to express my potential. Then I wasn't aiming for any result in the World Cup I knew it would be tough. Personally, it was a good experience and a good first step.
How did you get into this specialty?
In the youth categories I've always done well in time trialsAs a junior, I won the Italian Championships, but for one reason or another, I never had the chance to continue training or work consistently in the higher categories. It's a specialty I'd like to pursue, one in which I can grow and which could become an added value, even in terms of team time trials.
Pinotti was your trainer, will you continue with him next year?
Yes, it was the first year I worked with him and I had a great time. We will continue together next year too despite the change of team.
Let's move on to 2023. Why this team change?
It was a difficult choice because I would have had the opportunity to renew for another two years in the BikeExchange. And I must say that I've always had a great time. This year and last year I've always made myself completely available to the team. I'd like to be able to do it next year. find more space for myself and see what I can do. I've reached a point where I want to understand if I can only be a team player or if I can also aspire to my own results. Seeing the level I've managed to maintain this year, I hope to maintain it next year too so I can have my say in the races that suit me best.
Did returning to the team with your sister Martina have any bearing on your decision?
Speaking to her, she told me the team is a calm environment. Her presence certainly played a role in the decision. But I am an objective, demanding, and determined person by nature.The environment you described to me is what I need.
Are you already thinking about how to set up next season?
They sent me a draft calendar in the last few days and I talked a little with my trainer and I decided to arrive well with a good form already in the classics at the beginning of the seasonThen have a break before the end of April and start again with some stage races in May. After that I would like participate in the Giro, which I will prepare with a period at high altitude, and then we'll see depending on my form whether to go to the Tour or notBut it's still a draft and we'll define it at the first retreat in December.
Are time trials still a goal?
They'll definitely be part of it. Also because they won't weigh it down, since there are very few of them. At the most important events. starting from Italian I will certainly not miss it.
