If someone had said twelve months ago Eleonora La Bella who would have raced in the world championship this year in his first year as a junior, would probably have taken him for a visionary. Instead no, tomorrow it will be one of the blue ones that the city Paul Sangalli will line up in the world championship in Glasgow.
The 17-year-old's vintage BFT Burzoni so far it has been above expectations, even though her current coaches had already glimpsed her potential as a student. Bella had still managed to surprise them with the first winter tests. Not only that, she had raised the stakes by hitting A solo victory in Ceriale on his seasonal debut. He then repeated his feat in Friuli at his fourth race in the category, finishing with his third win in mid-July in Breganze.There was so much more in between. Placements, national team call-ups, two second-place finishes at the Italian championships in both the time trial and road race, and constant growth. Eleonora has just finished the Italian team training camp in Livigno, so it was worth hearing how she is experiencing this period..
Let's start with the last few days. How did you feel when you found out you'd be competing in the World Championship?
It's a dream come true. It was already a dream come true the season I was playing, but this one is even more so. Paolo (the city Sangalli, ed.) he gave us a preview of something during training in LivignoThen one day of bad weather we were doing the rollers and he came to each of us to communicate his choice. When he came to me and told me that I would run I almost fell off the rollers (smiles, ed.) At that moment, I immediately felt more energetic. I remain focused, but I don't feel tense. Tomorrow we'll start with very specific tasks.
Have you already talked about tactics?
Something, yes, although it's still to be seen. We'll talk about it again before the race. But we know that we will run for Venturelli, which is the jewel to be protectedShe's the captain, that's right and I'm very happy to be able to help her. Obviously I want to be ready if a space opens up for me but it's not in my thoughts right now.
How is your relationship with the national team in general?
Very good even though I have done few races. The Omloop Van Borsele, where I had to retire due to a fall, and the Flanders where I managed to get a good ninth place. In the North you learn to runThe pace is high and everyone is always on the attack. Among the technicians I found people who are teaching me a lot. It also goes very well with classmates. For example with Federica (Venturelli, ed.) we became very good friendsWe were roommates in Livigno and got to know each other better. She's much more mature than me and her age. She gives me advice on everything and is very precise., as I am and maybe even more.
In your opinion, why did you manage to get into the blue group?
Well (sighs and smiles, ed.) maybe because I deserved it. Of course, the victories and results count, but in reality it's for other reasons. One is courageThis year I've dared more and every now and then I've been rewarded by luck. But mainly the credit goes to the good work I'm doing thanks to my team, the BFT BurzoniI've grown physically and mentally. We're a very close-knit group. The sports directors and the technical staff always give me lots of suggestions and call me often.
What do they tell you?
Their phone calls bridge the long distance between us. The settling-in process has been great, even though I'm shy and it takes me a while to warm up. In the team we are all from different regions and my Lazio accent helped me (laughs, ed.) The competitions then strengthened our bond.
Given your season, do you feel any pressure?
Absolutely not. I didn't expect to have a 2023 like this, but I'm not getting too big for my chin. I know I still have to grow and improve. I take everything that comes, both the positive and the negative. I'm in my first year as a junior, and I'm not worried about the physical or age difference. Every Sunday I do a reset forgetting everything I did beforeI'll go running if it suits me, otherwise I'll gladly put myself at the service of my teammates or, in any case, I'll follow what the sports directors tell me.
Let's complete your description. Who is Eleonora La Bella?
I'm a girl who lives in Anagni, in the province of Frosinone. I raced with Punto Bici di Aprilia as a rookie and first-year student. Last year, I was with Il Pirata Vangi, racing between Tuscany and Lazio. I frequent the Alighieri Classical High School of my city and next year I will face the final exam since I made the "first"My grade point average is high, and I'd like to continue my studies at university, perhaps in literature or psychology. At school, we're studying philosophy with Latin and Greek textbooks. I'm fascinated by these subjects, they helped me grow, even in competitionCarpe diem, “seize the day,” or Pàthei màthos, “learning through suffering” are precise phrases for us cyclists.
