Among those who, through a placement, have tasted the limelight again after a rather long period of time, there is also Alice Maria BrawlsIt's true, he had already achieved some top 10 finishes this season, even in May, but take 10th place at Volta a Catalunya It has a greater flavour because we are talking about a stage race, which is not exactly his strong point but which testifies more than anything else that his leg is becoming the right one to aim high.
In his second year at Ceratizit-Wnt, the former Italian cyclocross champion, now fully focused on her road racing career, welcomed the placing almost as a relief: «Above all because the Belgian classics period hadn't gone as I wanted, especially the cobbled ones which are my favourites This year they were affected by mechanical problems right at the key moment, excluding me from any discussion."
In Spain, however, things went better…
Yes, I always feel good in the Iberian races, they are races that suit me. Gradually I felt my condition improving, but I didn't have the chance to try to do anything important beyond a few placings.. 10th place at Catalunya, however, has an added value because it confirms that I have the right legs, also because it is a stage race and therefore it means that even though I am not a climber, I held up well on the climbs.
How do you feel about the team? It often seems like you're a bit "restrained" by your own aspirations...
There aren't many opportunities, actually. sometimes I wish I could play my cards more freelyBut I don't forget that this is a job and there are hierarchies, so I carry out the task I'm given, I do what I have to do. I know firsthand that I can't be the captain of the standings; I have other characteristics. I try to cover the initial breaks, to get in on them even if it's difficult for them to arrive. I'm a striker by nature, I just need to have a few more opportunities to try. and maybe get that victory that I've always missed.
What races will you do now?
Nothing for now. I'm in Livigno to prepare for the Italian championships, then I'll return to the high altitude of La Thuile for the Tour of ItalyI care a lot about the Giro d'Italia and I want to be in the best possible condition.
What are your ambitions when you set off for the Giro?
I will focus on the stages, I know that the classification is not for me and for that I think it will be the French one Kerbaol our spearhead, ready to climb the hierarchies. I would like to find the right breakaway to put my mark on the raceThere are suitable sections, with some roughness but not too hard, suitable for surprise attacks.
However, hearing around, many girls say that they have never seen a race as tough as the next Giro Donne…
Studying the altimetry really makes you think, there are some difficult stages.I also spoke with some girls who went to see the hardest stages and they confirmed to me that some of the altitude differences are all in the final part of the stageThe route needs to be studied carefully. I want to find the sections that best suit me, also considering a variable that isn't often highlighted: the heat in Italy during those days, which will certainly be very strong.
Will you take stock of the situation after the Giro?
I already know that I will go to high altitude again to prepare for the Tour, but it's clear that a lot depends on how the Giro d'Italia goes. If everything goes well, we will also do the French race with the same ambitions and perhaps, looking at the route, even with a few more chances..
These are delicate days for your boyfriend Luca too. Braidot, who's competing for one of the two Italian national team jerseys at the Paris Games in mountain biking. How are you feeling about the wait?
He knows well that everything is at stake, especially in the World Cup stage in Val di Sole which he has prepared meticulously. He must express his potential which is very high, if we look at the four-year period as a whole no one has had his performanceI know how he works; he just has to reap what he's sown. I try to keep him calm, but these days I've felt like I'm competing for him...
