When he crossed the finish line of the Olympic road race, Anastasia Carbonari he breathed a sigh of relief. A sense of liberation, which he probably wouldn't have thought he would experience wearing his team's jersey. Latvia in the most important event of life.
In the previous episodes we told you how the twenty-four year old from the Marche region had received the summons and if it were approached Paris between one physical obstacle and another. This time we intercepted Carbonari just after she returned from France, to ask her what the experience was like between one anecdote and another.
Anastasia, what's your first thought after the Olympics?
I finally did it, or rather, I got there safe and sound, and then I did it. Yes, because before Paris I ran the Baloise, which is usually a dangerous race because everyone wants to be at the front and where smaller teams are throwing themselves in everywhere. And in fact at the first stage I was still shakingWith fifty kilometers to go, I was right behind the DSM-Firmenich group when two of them touched each other, causing a crash. I also fell, luckily without any consequences. I changed my bike, but it wasn't easy to get going again..
Why?
I don't hide it, but I cried for half an hour because it felt like a curseIt wasn't so much the graze on my knee, but more the umpteenth danger I had escaped that could have made me miss the Games. Even Wiebes During the sprint of the second stage, she was frightened by too many shoulder-bumps and ended up on the grass. She also didn't want to jeopardize her participation. In the end my companion Kumiega was very kind, staying close to me, reassuring me and bringing me back to the center of the group.. At that point Paris was getting closer and closer.
When did you arrive in the French capital?
On July 30th I ran the Kreiz Breizh in Brittany and left by car. I arrived in Paris at 1am, but I had a small Latvian welcoming committee.Waiting for me were sport director Toms Flaksis, mechanic Raivis Jansons and another manager who took care of all the logistics and organisation. They were all wonderful in explaining everything to me. and immediately get me included in the team with the other athletes.
How did you spend the days before the race?
On July 31st I took a tour of the village on my own, I felt I needed it. Then I trained in the area of an old racecourse not far from the village which had a three kilometre loopAlmost all Parisian cyclists train there, and many other colleagues were there. On August 1st, we had the group test of the city circuit, but in the morning I had driven forty-five minutes and cycled about 70 kilometers of the route. In practice, between roads that were done both on the way there and on the way back, I managed to do the whole route. Finally, I spent the next day training with my teammates from UAE and other girls. Those days passed quickly.
Did you stay in the Olympic Village or in a hotel outside?
We were inside the village where the Latvian Olympic Committee had rented a building for its athletes. On the first floor we had a lounge where we could watch the various rehearsals, with a refreshment service provided by Rimi Baltic, a Latvian supermarket chain and sponsor of our committee. I was in the room with Veronika Sturiska, an eighteen-year-old girl, already BMX world champion both as a junior last year and as an U23 this year. It was nice to get to know each other better and exchange impressions, although to be honest, I didn't spend much time with the rest of my compatriots because everyone was busy with their own disciplines. And they often spoke to each other in Latvian, which I still don't understand very well (smiles, ed.).
How was dinner organized in the evening?
We always tried to go and eat in the large restaurant in the village where the other national teams were also present, to better absorb the Olympic atmosphere. The dinner was all buffet style and I was personally very curious to see how the super champions of certain sports ate.. That was also a nice way to have a comparison.
Have you had a chance to talk to anyone from other sports or countries?
Yes, but I didn't do it because I was a little embarrassed (he says smiling with a hint of regret, ed.). One evening, in front of me, in the dessert area, there was even Simone Biles, the multiple gymnastics champion. (seven Olympic gold medals and 23 world championships, ed.) who was taking the fruitI admire her so much, not only for her results, but also for the fight she fights for women's sport. I was shocked, I wanted to say hello and tell her she's a legend, but I didn't because I didn't want to disturb her. When she returned to her table, we said goodbye… and I regretted not chatting with her..
Were you more relaxed with your fellow cyclists?
So-so. One day I met Matthews and Van Aert We were chatting, and we exchanged greetings, but I only made a few quick jokes. When my boyfriend Riccardo found out, he scolded me for telling Van Aert that he was his absolute idol! I could have dared more in general, considering that the Olympic passes were designed to allow you to exchange "pins" with other athletes precisely to encourage mutual knowledge..
Were you in awe?
I don't know, I know I didn't fully enjoy the Olympic atmosphere, just like the rest of the season. I thought I was at a disadvantage compared to others because at the Olympics there are athletes who sacrifice years of their lives to be at the top, while I arrived tense and without an acceptable condition or the one I was hoping for. Then you realize that the organization and all the staff are there for you, at your disposal. It's complex and paradoxical to explain. It wasn't easy to live in this context without being mentally at one hundred percent.And I knew the race would be tough, but at least I would have suffered less and enjoyed it more if I had been more relaxed.
There must have been some positive aspects. What were they for Anastasia Carbonari?
Of course there are. Maybe. I didn't realize them at the time and this also contributed to my tense state of mind.. However, it was a week of strong emotions. I thought back to what had happened to me, when I was even close to giving up. Despite everything, I went to Paris and this fills me with pride.I even said it in an interview on Latvian television after the finish line. Or I think about how a circle that had opened in Foligno has closed.
Or?
My mother pointed this out to me on the flight home. In Foligno I ran one of my very first races when I was very young and many years later I took the train there for the journey that took me to the OlympicsWho would have thought back then that I'd achieve such a dream? This must be my new strength for the future. Maybe for Los Angeles, but definitely for the season finale, where I want to send a message and do well.
