She pedals as quickly as she talks. On the bike, she's just as pragmatic as she is when answering questions. "Essential" could be the key word in her mantra. When she explains her first year as a junior, Eleonora Ciabocco doesn't beat around the bush. So many clear and quick concepts even when faced with a series of results that would make you excited and talk much more.
Yes, because the 17-year-old from Corridonia – who has been riding a bike since she was four years old in the “g-zero” and who attends the fourth grade atMatteo Ricci Biological and Health Institute from Macerata – has achieved great results this year. Italian road champion (he was also in 2018 as a second-year rookie), second in the European Championships, third in the Italian time trial and three other partial victories, seasoned with many placings also in the open races.
The silver medal at the European Junior Championships in Trento rewarded his climbing skills and his sprinting ability. On the podium in Trento, second behind the German Riedmann and before the French Rayer
The silver medal at the European Junior Championships in Trento rewarded his climbing skills and his sprinting ability. On the podium in Trento, second behind the German Riedmann and before the French Rayer
We track her down by phone while she is on her way to Schio for a brief gathering of his formation, the Cycling Together - Team Di FedericoFrom Marche to Veneto, a useful blitz to revisit the staff and meet some new teammates.
Eleonora, did you expect 2021 to be like this?
Honestly no, because Going from student to junior was quite a leapIt's been a very unusual start to the season, not an easy one. I had knee problems, which I resolved, and COVID throughout February. Then I took part in my first international competitions and little by little everything improved.I can only be satisfied.
What did you take away from this first year of junior year?
Definitely a lot of experience. In open races you find yourself racing with much older girlsThere I also learned to be better in a group, more compact. In fact, in the first races I was very careful, I was afraid of causing trouble and knocking someone down.
And on a tactical level?
Compared to the female students, this year we had to run as a team and help each other. The distance increased and the pace was very high. There were races with more hills. We had to conserve and manage our energy.It took me a while to adjust, but it was all things that helped me grow.
Aside from your best results, is there another day you particularly remember?
The Tarzo open race on July 25th, which won the SanguinetiIt rained all day and it was cold. It was the first race I did after the Italian junior championshipAnd it was also the first time I managed to stay with the leading group, all elite. I reached the top of the Ca' del Poggio mountain pass, which is very challenging, in the top positions and it was exciting. (in the opening photo @ph_rosa, together with Debora Silvestri, ed.) In the final we split up and I finished fifth and first among the juniors.
Second at the European Championships, then ninth at the World Championships. How did that affect you?
As I was saying, this year I had my first international experiences. Since the retreat in Livigno, I immediately felt very comfortable with the Italian group, especially with Francesca BaraleAt the European Championships we raced together, we helped each other, and she was invaluable to me in the final stages (Barale finished fourth after working for Ciabocco, ed.). It was nice to bond with people who are your rivals throughout the year.
We've seen you perform well on all types of terrain. Can you tell us what kind of athlete you are?
I prefer the climb, I would define myself as a climber. However, I have also managed to achieve results in flat races thanks to a fairly fast start.. In the time trial, so-so… (laughs, ed.). I defend myself, but I feel less suited, even if The Italian championship was truly decided on a knife edgeFrancesca and Carlotta (Barale and Cipressi, first and second, respectively, ed.) were separated by a few tenths of a second, while I finished three seconds behind. It's a shame because I'd gotten off to a bad start that day.
Do you have any idols among the big names?
Yup,Van Aert among the pros because he is a complete riderRoad and cross (in 2020 Eleonora was the Italian youth CX champion, ed.). Sprint, mountain, and time trial. Among the elite, Elisa Balsamo also performs well on all courses.I admire the way she runs, having seen her more closely.
And what is your dream race?
For me, Paris-Roubaix is the most beautiful to watch. And now that it's available for women too, one day I would like to run it.
After the European Championships, he thanked Barale: "There's a great understanding in the Azzurri." Once again with Francesca Barale, this time after the World Championships in Leuven
After the European Championships, he thanked Barale: "There's a great understanding in the Azzurri." Once again with Francesca Barale, this time after the World Championships in Leuven
Callovi told us a few days ago that she'll be following the juniors from a national perspective, but that she prefers to leave you free from pressure. What do you think?
In the meantime I am happy to be considered by a blue technician. Then I think what Rossella said is right. It's good to run more calmly, it helps a lotI did well at the European Championships precisely because I was calm.
Eleonora, what do you expect for 2022?
Repeating this season would already be a dream. Obviously, you always aim to improve, not only in terms of results, but also for myself, as a person.Then we'll see how it goes.
