Sofia Bertizzolo is back to winning ways. He did it in Montignoso, but the finish line doesn't countWhat makes the difference is the feeling of having won, which changes confidence and perception. From this year the Vicenza native wears the jersey of UAE Team Adq and she's particularly happy with that.
«This new perspective – he explains – excites me. It's great that the team has passed from the hands of a woman, Alessia Piccolo, to another woman, Melissa MoncadaI don't know how much of this was due to Pogacar, but he said at a time when there was no suspicion that he would have liked there to be a women's team as well. In any case, It's nice that Colnago has been acquired by a company that has Melissa herself in chargeThe tip of the female pyramid. Below are us athletes. And in the middle a staff of men. A beautiful collaboration, a beautiful mix."
Few frills
Sofia Bertizzolo it's always concreteAnd when you ask her to comment on the start of the season, her summary is crystal clear.
"The team started off on the right track," he says, "with Marta Bastianelli's three victories. Unfortunately, we were a bit underperforming at the Strade Bianche, the first WorldTour race, and I don't know if the expectations were high in the team or in us athletesThe fact that we won the next day was important. The feeling of victory helps you win. And anyway, it's still March and I've already done 11 races.. Many more will come. Tomorrow I'm going to Holland to race on Saturday, but I have to say that it's… unhealthy to stay at home between races. You try to do everything and you're always in a rush."
It is clear that behind it there is the UAE Emirates of men?
Let's say that we are still there Alé that chases the UAEThe changeover was late, so we still have to get the management and materials in order. But they're doing well. There is a nutritionist and I hope that the second sports director for the Northern races will arrive, with the flagship in front and VeloViewer, because it really makes a difference. But I'm glad they took the plunge. And since From next year, staying or not staying in the WorldTour will depend on the ranking, it's a good idea to get started right away and take measurements.
Is it nice to be a part of it?
It's very beautiful. You can tell that there is something big behind it which offers us excellent support.
What does your program include?
The classics, except Roubaix and the Tour of Luxembourg, close out the spring. The season will recover in May, then the summer will need to be handled carefully. There are many stage races and we need to see how to manage them, since the time between one and the other is often short.
Elisa Balsamo left the police force, aiming for professionalism. Have you ever considered it?
I haven't spoken to Elisa, I don't know the reason for his choiceWhat I can say is that women's cycling is developing a lot. I've been here since 2016 and I remember that in the early days we used to get changed in the middle of the street without even having a camper.But we haven't yet reached certainty about the future. The point is not how much I earn while I'm running, but what happens afterwards..
Being in the Fiamme Oro is a peace of mind…
I don't have a degree, the future is uncertain. It was essential to be in Police so as not to have to go to work at the bar in the evening to have the money to buy proteinsWe're moving forward with one- or two-year contracts. And then there's the issue of maternity leave...
That is not foreseen?
I'm glad that Lizzie Deignan shared that she is expecting another child and wants to return after, but not all of them can afford to do so. I don't know how many teams would take you back afterThis is why I say that the police are fundamental today.
Giro or Tour?
Giro and Tour, both. Then we'll see what the objectives are. My program normally includes both.
