Winner last year in Stuttgart, winner last Sunday again in Stuttgart and now awaited by the world competition in Rwanda. Eleonora Camilla Gasparrini He is increasingly a protagonist in professional cycling, but this is not only evident in his results. There is a different management of the'activity, a thickness acquired day after day, a sign of its maturation. And the victory on German soil testified to this.
As she packs her bags for the long trip to Africa, where she will once again be ready to serve her captain Elisa Longo Borghini, the Turin native reflects on the progress of this very important season: «Up to now it has been a delicate year – she explains with many changes in the team, first of all with the arrival of Elisa who has shifted the balanceI have done many races with her, I have always been very supportive, especially to the Tour of Italy and so we certainly experienced some good moments, also seasoned with a few victories."
This is the second time in a row you've won the Stuttgart race. Why do you always stand out there?
It's definitely a race that's well-suited to my characteristics because there are short climbs and therefore there's selection. In the end, we played for the win with 6 players. In such a small group, I can make the most of my speed skills. The team did a fantastic job both last year and this year, so let's just say this success was the icing on the cake.
You are in your third year in UAE, however, the feeling is that they have given you more responsibilities this year, your growth path continues...
As the years go by, the team shows they believe in me. I think I've proven my worth and that I'm capable of playing at the highest level. So, more responsibilities are starting to arrive, and I can only be happy about that.
Is Eleonora a classics cyclist?
I would definitely say so, I get excited in those lively races, which are certainly not easy to interpretI always say that the race that suits me best is the Amstel, even if in three editions I didn't get beyond a 6th place, but I think that with its "middle ground" characteristics it is the one that best reflects my worth.The Brabant Arrow is also not a bad race, although in Flanders I find myself running more as a support rider.
Between the victory in Morbihan and this one in Stuttgart, which one are you most proud of and which was more difficult?
Perhaps the German one was a little more qualified because the level was still high, so it was definitely more satisfying. In Stuttgart I ran a bit with my head and a bit with my heart, I went by instinct because I attacked the last 2 kilometers even risking losing it, But I did what I felt like doing and it went well.
Compared to last year, there's one more presence: Elisa. How much has the situation, the atmosphere, the team's goals changed, and how much have they influenced you?
A lot has certainly changed, I'd say in particular the mentality with which we go to competitions has changed. I don't mean to say that last year we started out defeated, on the contrary, but we are going with a different conviction.. Both when Elisa is there, but lately even if she's not there she has still given this positive influence in general and so we go to the races with a different awareness. Let's also add that we are a group of girls that is slowly forming and uniting more and more and that also makes a lotConsidering that we've been running together for a few years, there's a different feeling between us and so it's also easier to collaborate during the race.
How much does Elisa's presence influence when the race isn't suited to her, when she runs almost as a domestique for you?
She's definitely a point of reference for us, so she's important in guiding us. Her presence in the race is always felt, it's fundamental, she has a charisma that no other can match.
Looking at your results, it's clear that you can win even in different conditions, both group sprints and small sprints where you have to do everything on your own...
Yes, I try to be versatile and varied. In tight sprints I'm able to handle myself a little better and I've definitely improved my grip on climbs, so that also works in my favor. When the fast wheels come off on the climbs, I'm able to hold on and being a "quickie", those are the contexts that suit me best.
You have a contract until 2028. Does this help your relationship with the team, giving you confidence and helping you grow little by little?
Yes, because it gives me peace of mind, so I can do things well, without stress, calmly and still continue a path that I started three years ago and therefore It's a very important aspect because by not having to change every year I can grow properly.My peaks are still to be reached…
