Just 16 years old, but with talent to spare. Agata Campana is one of the new names in Italian women's cycling, included in the project BFT Burzoni VO2 Team Pink to find a future on two wheels. Her start to the season, in her first year among the juniors, was immediately very impactful with the second place in Nonantola and the victory in the Cassa di Risparmio di Fossano TrophyNot just any victory because we are talking about an Open race.
When speaking with the very young girl what immediately emerges is his extreme composure in giving the right value to his performances, without however losing sight of his ambitious objectives, the culmination of that passion that has accompanied all his memories.
I'm originally from Castelfranco Veneto and live in Trento. I've always been cycling. I remember when I was in kindergarten I saw the other girls pedaling and I wanted to do it too, so my parents bought me one.In front of the kindergarten there was the headquarters of a cycling club and I said I would like to go there, they also granted me this, the rest all came as a consequence».
Did you immediately focus on road biking? Many people in your area choose mountain biking...
No, I immediately devoted all my attention to road biking, then I started combining it with track cycling as I still do, even going to train in Montichiari. I started as a student and I like it a lot, I see that it also helps me grow on the street.
How did you find yourself dealing with the change in category?
A lot has changed, that's for sure. For now, I'm on a very strong team, with girls who have all already proven their worth, competing at high-level competitions, including international ones. But I want to prove myself, to show that I can compete in this group. Already in Nonantola I saw that I could win but in the end I made a mistakeInstead, in Fossano, with the help of the team, I won, and since it was a race with the biggest names, it was a wonderful moment. But I knew I could do it.
So you were convinced you could win?
I knew that route could be suitable, but the race was tough. Let's just say it was a bit bumpy; there were some difficult moments, but I also got through them thanks to the team. We worked hard to keep the race together because if we'd sprinted to the finish, I could have played my cards right. I won't deny that I really wanted to stand out because it was an open race. I dreamed of winning a race against the biggest athletes of the season, but I managed to do it straight away.
Do you consider yourself a sprinter?
I would say yes, even though I know that roles are no longer considered so defined. For example, I know I can hold my own even on short climbs; in fact, last year I won the Coppa Rosa, which isn't really a race for sprinters. In fact, I'm eagerly awaiting the first races with climbs to see what my level is and how far I can go. I'd like to put my signature on a race with a slightly tougher course.
Is there a cyclist who inspires you?
Yup, Lorraine Wiebes because that's exactly the kind of cyclist I'd like to be. Very strong in sprint but also capable of holding on the climbs, difficult to dropI dream of becoming like her.
And is there a race that you particularly like among the “big” ones?
I don't have a particular preference. Obviously I mostly look at one-day races, but based on the routes I like all the classics. I discovered the race on television. Milan-Sanremo of the girls and it is beautiful because it has characteristics that make it suitable for everyone. Well, maybe that's the race I'd like to win more than any other.
What awaits you now?
For now my calendar mainly includes regional competitions, in which my goal is to help my teammates rather than win, because There are many who can win and for us it's important that we emerge together. If a teammate wins it's the same for me..
When running an open race, did you notice any differences?
Yes, there's a different approach to the race. Let's say there's more order. As students, you run a lot on your own, but you focus mostly on the final stretch. With the Opens, you're immediately very strong. You have to be very focused and maintain your positions throughout the race., one distraction and you're out of the game.
Does your team's calendar also include races abroad?
Yes and I can't wait. We will have tests in France and Spain, if on French soil we find hard routes, I think the Iberian ones are more suitable for meI really hope to be selected, but I have to deserve it because, as I said, there are many of us doing well here. And that's exactly why I feel good here...
