Maybe it's because those on the track are often cautious in their predictions on the road, but the day after Ganna's caution at Sanremo (later denied by a great performance), Elisa Balsamo in Cittiglio talked about herself by covering her ground and then achieved seventh place.
«I knew that in the first races I would have been a bit penalised – said the Piedmontese at the start – because during the winter I did almost only track and the cancellation of the races in Spain prevented us from adapting to the roadThe victory in Belgium at the Oetingen GP was unexpected, but also the 12th place on Wednesday at the Nokere Koerse was a good placing in an extreme race. But The Binda Trophy is too tough for Elisa at the moment. But running at home is always nice."
The Chief's Plan
Some races go according to numbers, but sometimes a good strategy can make the difference. And the “Boss” one for the Binda Trophy was diabolical enough to work.
«If they had looked at each other a bit in front – says Davide Arzeni, coach of the Valcar&Travel Services we would have come back and maybe we would have managed to get a podiumWe were unlucky, because half the team fell apart due to physical problems and mechanical problems. Otherwise, given that the breakaway had also been left out SD Worx, we could aim to close it. Elisa Longo Borghini has accomplished an extraordinary feat, but if she hadn't moved, there was almost a chance she would arrive with a group of 25 and then everything changed."
Road and track
The picture is clear. While on Friday all the road racers were on the Cittiglio route for dress rehearsals, the Valcar girls were in Montichiari riding on the track.
«This year – smiles Arzeni, who is currently in Belgium – we have to play defense, not having done any road trainingWe knew there were five stronger girls and we had to file down for don't go off track, which would have prevented us from getting to the end. This is why you always saw her in a group and in great control: we had told ourselves to do exactly this. But having said that, I believe that in the future, Elisa can go to Cittiglio to winIf I have to make a comparison with a professional, I see her very similar to ValverdeIn fast races he is already a sure thing, but I think he can soon get to Liège too."
After Tokyo
And here the future projection is exciting. With Tokyo as the most immediate horizon, it is clear that until August the track will be the beacon of his arrival.
«Certainly – confirms Arzeni – although from now until the Amstel, we will only talk about road activities. Then, in the year after Tokyo, we will do a season entirely dedicated to the roadWe will continue to go to the track every 15 days and during the winter, because On the track, useful work is also done on the road, but a good season on the road to understand what we will be capable of when we grow up is a really great prospect."
