VERSAILLES (France) – Three-time Italian champion, more than 20 international medals. Elena Cecchini arrives at the Olympic trials without any particular worries.
«The last few months have gone smoothly – he says – I ran the Line of Business and it was an important step in this approach phaseThen we spent a few days on a retreat in Val di Fassa (opening Instagram photo, ed.) with Silvia Persico. Elisa also joined us for a few days. These days we've been revisiting the road route, which we'd already seen in May, and refreshing our memories. I think we'll have a good race as a team. Then the one-off races can go a thousand ways, but the goal is to do the best you can."
Do you expect cross-party alliances, tied to the teams you race for during the year?
The bond with the teams is essential. Yesterday we did the reconnaissance, we were all together, It's normal that you seek out the teammates you run with all year round.I was with my friends, Longo Borghini with his, but from here to reaching an agreement there is a very long step. The truth is that an Olympics of this kind it might be easy for Longo Borghini and it lasts for BalsamoOther nations have a leader who could win. We are outsiders, but I understand that for some of the opponents this is a big goal.
What will Elena Cecchini's role be in the competition?
My role could be to have to read the race, as it was last year in Glasgow, where without Longo Borghini we tried to make a good impression. It's a nice role, but I'd feel a bit wasted doing this. For me and Silvia I see more of a role dedicated to entering the escapesOf course, these are difficult matches to interpret. The teams are never that small. There are many girls who would be suitable for this type of path, but they don't have the teamYou'll have to be there for 160 kilometers with your head there. And your legs, of course.
Do you like competing in a different context than usual?
I like it. There are at least 40 girls who can aspire to the podiumAnd that's nice. In Rio, we already knew what role we were starting with, for example. This way, it will be more open, more tactical.
Do you feel the Olympic atmosphere?
We've been in a bubble lately. We get along well, we have the Italian chef, let's stay calmI have wonderful memories of the Olympic Village in Rio, but I'm sure that for the performance it's better to stay here in the hotel, where as soon as we go out we have roads to be able to train.
Have you ever imagined yourself with an Olympic medal around your neck?
More than imagining, I dreamed. This race is beautiful because anything can happen.I worked hard, at the Giro I got the answers I wanted in some stages, in others I suffered. I know that I will be able to contribute and dreaming costs nothing..
Emotion Persico
Next to her is Silvia Persico, accustomed to wearing the blue jersey even in cyclocross and ready for the five-ring adventure, despite an unforeseen event.
«After the Giro I got Covid – she explains – and I wasn't well. I was positive for 8 daysBut now I feel like I have good legs. I'm very happy to be here and participate in the Olympics. We're a strong team and we can play our cards."
How do you feel about competing in these types of competitions, which are often completely different from what you're used to?
I'm happy to take part in a competition like this. It will be tough in the first part and very fast in the second, in the city, with the circuitThere are a maximum of 4 of us from each nation, so just a few of us, it will be a great battle and I'm very happy to be there.
What do you expect from yourself?
Both Elena Cecchini and I will have to cover the opponents' attacks and support the two Elises.
What emotion do you feel?
The blue jersey excites me every time. Wear it for the Olympics it's specialI also wore it in cyclocross, and since 2022 I've been on the national road team. It definitely gives me a great boost.
