While the women's world title was being awarded in Glasgow, Valentina Basil he was going to get his first podium finish in a foreign international race, the Picto Charentaise which is one of the classics on the French calendar. A placing that was the result of a commanding sprint, finishing behind the French winner. Verhulst and the Dutch Achtereekte. Two cyclists from WorldTour teams, while the girl from Desio is a pillar of the BePink.
His performance was not a coincidence, the result of the condition arising from the Tour of Italy, It is no coincidence in fact that after the Giro d'Italia, Basilico almost never finished outside the top 20 in the subsequent races., all abroad and in a leading context.
“But it’s not as if things went so well at the Giro,” says the Lombard. “The stages weren’t suited to me. On paper, there were three for sprinters, but we always went very fast and there were almost no sprints. I expected more, but at least my condition has improved with a lot of work and a lot of climbing.».
You came out better than you came in…
Yes, it's true. Before the Giro d'Italia, I hadn't achieved any great results; my last podium came in early May. At least the Giro was useful to me...
What race did you find in France?
It was definitely a route better suited to my characteristics. It was a hilly race, with short climbs, where I had to constantly relaunch the action. Many tried to break away, but overall the group always remained compact. I always stayed in the top 15-20 positions so as not to miss out on any decisive action.
How are you finding the team?
Very good, the girls in France also worked hard, I just had to finish. My teammates and I have formed a great group, both on and off the course, and there's always a great atmosphere.
After the French race you still remained in the top positions in the finishing order.
These are competitions that I really like. In Belgium there are flatter routes, where being fast is important, but it must also be said that I am not always the one who finishes the race, Konvert Koerse for example I worked for Vector e Zanardi, they were responsible for doing the sprint.
These are the races where you also find yourself racing with WorldTour teams. Do you notice a difference?
Remarkable. Without taking anything away from the commitment and passion that we put in, but above all those who manage the team, it is clear that those are different environments, with very careful management of every aspect and great resources at its disposal. This year I have had the opportunity to often race against the biggest teams and when you find yourself competing against people like Wiebes o School You just have to learn. I really enjoy taking advantage of those opportunities and racing at those levels, where even a placing counts for a lot.
Compared to last year when you made your debut in the top category, have you noticed any changes, also in terms of physical management of the races, considering you're only 20 years old?
Yes, I see that I can manage myself much better, that there has been an increase in performance. It's not just a question of physique, I believe that the mental approach to competitions and the way they are conducted also counts a lot.
Do you already know where you'll be running next year?
No, I hope to stay in the team where I feel very comfortable, also because the calendar we face is excellent. It's clear that if I were to make contact with a WorldTour team I would think about it., as anyone would do, but for now that's fine.
Your calendar mainly includes road races, but aside from the Giro, how do you feel about stage races?
I like them a lot, in some ways they are even preferable to one-day races, first of all because I have a quick recovery, then because in a multi-day race there are days where you can play your cards and others where you work for the others but you are not forced to always go at full speedNow that I've broken the ice with a podium finish, maybe something more will come soon...
