They say you have to retire from the competitive scene when you're at the top to leave the best memory. And when Martha Bastianelli On the ninth stage of the Giro Donne she climbed onto her last “signature podium” and emotion spread throughout the group. Her farewell had been widely predicted by the champion herself, but for everyone – present and not – it was a touching moment. One of those that you only process when it actually happens..
Many wanted to pay homage to the career of the athlete UAE ADQ Team and the Fiamme Azzurre on their social media profiles. We wanted to collect some profound thoughts from those who know her well.It's difficult to limit yourself to a simple joke.
Georgia and Marta
In 2007 Stuttgart turns blue. Paolo Bettini's world championship success was preceded by 24 hours by that of twenty-year-old Bastianelli who triumphed alone. Third, and perfect in covering her shoulders, ends Giorgia Bronzini behind the already terrible Marianne Vos.
“I had a great time with Marta,” the Piacenza-born sports director of Liv Racing TeqFind tells us, “during the years we shared the national team jersey. It's special for me to think that I was helpful to her when she won the World Cup.Throughout his life, he demonstrated his professionalism and great value, both as a person and as a sporting figure. Not only did he achieve great success, but after the birth of his daughter, he was able to return to the highest levels. His exit will certainly be felt.An athlete like her counts on a team. He was one of the most authoritative voices of the groupShe's another great who's leaving competitive activity, but I hope she can find her place in this world. For me ha the qualities to help new talents grow and convey passion and determination to them».
Anna and Marta
Bastianelli has played for many teams throughout her career, always managing to build strong personal relationships. In seven of the last eight years Anna Trevisi she was a very faithful follower of his, except in 2019 when Marta went to Virtu Cycling.
"We met," says the Reggio Emilia rouleur, "in 2016 at the Alè Cipollini. And we became friends right away. We've been so close practically since day one.Then we always remained in the same team, which last year became the current one. UAE Team ADQ. Honestly, I have so many memories with her, but the funniest anecdote happened just this year at the Spar Flanders Diamond, the last race we ran together (on June 11, ed.). She has always been recognized by everyone as an extremely precise girl, but on that occasion she managed to forget her racing shoes at home.Nothing like this had ever happened to her in all these years (smiles, ed.). Now, in her post-career, I I would see her well as an ambassador for some cycling brand. I think someone should think about it."
Elena and Marta
Perhaps one of the closest ties Bastianelli has is with Elena CecchiniThe Friulian from SD-Worx was one of the first to dedicate a social media post, even though we're sure she had already expressed everything to him verbally, in person. They have many moments in common, not only that 5th August 2018 in Glasgow where Marta won the European Championships and Elena on the momentum finished fourth, after working for her.
«In 2012 – explains Cecchini – I found myself as Marta's teammate both in the Mcipollini-Giambenini-Gauss and in the Fiamme AzzurreWe stayed together for the following year at Faren before she became pregnant, and from there our sporting paths diverged, but certainly not our personal ones. Throughout our careers, there were plenty of challenges between us and our teams, but our relationship always grew stronger. I'm five years younger and I've always seen her as a role model. Getting to know her better, I discovered that We both have a strong character and above all the same values, such as family.We've always been so in tune with each other that we often went on holiday together."
"Marta," he continues, "is an old-fashioned athlete, very direct with both young and veteran athletes. She's always been very charismatic. Everyone listened when he spoke, he always seemed more experienced than his age.She's a natural leader. Now it's up to the others to acknowledge your leadership. It's hard to say who will be able to take up his legacy, but it would be an honor for me if I could do it..
"After Clarissa was born," Cecchini concludes, "Marta changed. She looked up to the strongest girls in the group and wasn't afraid of anyone. He taught me to always believe in yourself.Then on an organizational level she has always been the best, making sure her competitive commitments coincide with her family. Now I think he has to make the best of his transition from rider to post-career.It would be nice if he stayed in the industry, but I'm sure he'll make the best decision, as he always has."
Sofia and Marta
There is another fourth place that comes by right – tied with a double lock – to another great success, perhaps the most exciting, of Bastianelli. It is that of Sofia Bertizzolo at Flanders 2019. They race together with Virtu Cycling and in the end the girl from Bassano del Grappa acts as a precious support point for her captain.
«In general, I can say about Marta – comments Bertizzolo – that she is a great person. She has always dedicated herself to young people and she always has a thought of growth towards the people around her. It is a constant stimulus for her to be constructively critical.From a competitive standpoint, however, she speaks for herself. She may have been inconsistent for many reasons, but she's carved out an incredible career that has it all. Every now and then I think back to that Flanders. It was priceless. I remember Bjarne Riis's (Virtu's sporting director) words on the radio at the end, which we handled splendidly. We were in a position of strength and numerical superiority. And Marta wanted to win that day. When she wanted to win, there was no one to do it. I will miss her so much. (he says with a hint of emotion, ed.)».
"Her strength on the bike," he continues, "was her vision of the race. She might like to be a sports director, but I think she'd lose that sensitivity in the team car. I can say instead that it would be a shame not to use his knowledge for our FederationIt could be useful during winter training camps or mid-year, considering that she might still have some desire to ride to stay in touch with the young riders. It would be important not to let her slip away. This could be the most suitable role for Marta».
