Thanks to Sara's passage in its ranks Single house Hess Cycling Team he became famous in our area too. Many were surprised by the choice of the European cyclocross bronze medalist, who joined a continental team that was not very well known and, above all, had little presence in Italy. Yet behind that choice there is the story of a team with great ambitions and who, in a rapidly evolving women's cycling, wants to find her own space.
We therefore decided to find out more through its sporting director, the Swiss Pirmin Long, who holds the role of sporting director of the team: «The owner is Rolf Hess, whom I met in 2020 and who is a wealthy entrepreneur and sports enthusiast living in London and who previously played martial arts and football. In the winter she came to Sankt Moritz where her sister lives and there we started talking about something in favor of women's sport.I come from cycling and I managed to steer him towards creating a women's two-wheel team. It was September 2022. We wanted to do it alone first, then we made an exchange with another team to merge, finally we bought the license, starting in 2023 with a continental women's team.
Why did the team have a Luxembourg license this year and a British license next year?
We wanted to do it in the UK, but we were a bit late with everythingWe still had to get started if we wanted to be part of the UCI's evolution with professional teams, so we got the Luxembourg license. But it's a fully British team; we work with a marketing agency in London, so in 2024 we'll be affiliated in Great Britain.
Yours is a true multinational with 12 countries represented: was this a deliberate choice on your part?
In some ways, yes, because Hess has various activities all over the world, and the team reflects its global reach. Obviously, when it comes to sales, it's important to be present in every European country, so you need to have a strong image through riders from all over Europe and beyond. It is not a different system from that of the WorldTour teams, just think of the Lidl TrekWe want to have riders from all over Europe, but we are also looking beyond, in fact we have also taken on the former Australian national champion Nicole Crow.
What are your ambitions for next season, and why are you making such a profound change to the team's roster?
We currently have 14 riders, 6 of whom are from last season. The goal, of course, is to grow, improve, and get noticed. Giving cyclists the opportunity to develop and feel comfortable.We will focus primarily on the classics, one-day races where we have a qualified roster of athletes, as well as short stage races. For example, Irishwoman Imogen Cotter It will be one of our top performers. It's suited to fairly challenging races, with selective climbs. We want to participate in category 1.1 Pro races and are seeking prestigious invitations.
Why did you choose Sara Casasola and are you in favor of her dual career between road and cyclocross?
Personally yes, I have my roots in cyclocross, I'm from the same village as Dieter runkel, world champion in 1998. So I've always been interested in it. I think that if it is possible for Van Aert, VDP and Pidcock to do dual activity, I don't see why it can't happen among women too.And if you look at how Sara has developed over the last two or three years, she's really on the right track. When you look at what she's achieving now, it's truly fantastic. I say she has all the potential to become something like Silvia. Perch or even more. In cyclocross it has a brand like Guerciotti to support it which is a guarantee, then we will take over and try to make it improve further.
What goals have you set for next year?
Yes, improve at team level too. Now we are very far behind but it's normal, we want to become one of the best teams in the continental rankings, at least among the top 8To do that, we'll need to get some podiums in the 1.1 races. We have a team built for that.
First the agreement, then the European bronze
But one question remains: how did the paths of the Hess Cycling Team and Casasola cross? The Italian herself explains: "Honestly, I didn't know this team before, but through a friend in a solicitor's agency I heard that they were looking for a profile similar to mine., so we got in touch and they immediately made a good impression on me. I saw that they started this year, they've competed in a lot of races, they've settled in well. We talked about their plans, their prospects, and I saw a future.
Did the contact precede your European bronze?
Yes, we had already established everything before. I do not deny that I was also favorably impressed by their willingness to support my dual activity, it was what I needed., clearly establishing the appropriate rest and recovery periods. They understand the importance of combining the two specialties, and this is very important in planning the right schedule.
They say they're banking on you a lot, especially for the short stage races...
I also think it's my right size on the road because I have good recovery skills and I go faster in the last days of a stage race.I hope they'll allow me to improve. I'm really looking forward to next season on the road. I want to see results that match those I get in the winter.
Have you digested the great joy of Pontchateau?
It took a while to tell the truth… I took some rest, especially on a mental level, now I'm focusing strongly on the next World Cup trials to confirm my value and get closer to the big teams.
