Marco Velo is currently at Tour of Italy, who yesterday enjoyed the additional day of rest resulting from the departure in Albania. The caravan returned to our country and everyone had their hands full.The new rider of the women's national team is at the Corsa Rosa as a route regulator. He has been carrying out this role for a few years now. RCS Sport & Events and despite the Federation's large assignment, his commitments have not changed. The Brescia native will surely be able to find the right balance to lead the women's national team., role inherited from Paul Sangalli in turn moved to the WorldTour with the Lidl Trek (the two are together with Elisa Longo Borghini at the Paris Olympics in the opening photo).
New measures
The role of coach suits Marco Velo, who until 2024 was in charge of the Italian time trials for each category. It is clear that compared to the previous assignment the amount of work is greater, the management of the women's national team starts from the juniors and reaches all the way up to the elite. Furthermore, this year the U23 category, which previously didn't exist and has gradually been introduced, is gaining ground.
«The role is not new – says Velo on the sidelines of the Giro – while the environment is a little bit. I know the elite girls better than the juniors for visibility reasonsI managed their time trials, true, but Sangalli's supervision and his opinion were essential. Now I've started to follow the movement much more, and I started with the smaller teams. I went to a few competitions to build a relationship with both the athletes and the teams.As for the elite, I was at Sanremo and Strade Bianche, while I followed the entire Northern Campaign on television."
Why not follow the Classics on site?
I made a personal assessment. Going to competitions means having to pay for travel and accommodation. We are in the post-Olympic year and as often happens the Federation must be careful about its exitsThe thing I also noticed in Sanremo and Strade Bianche is that even if I'm in the race I have to watch the race on my tablet. You're there, but you can't see the highlights and understand how the race unfolds.
You did the same thing these days when Vuelta Femenina and Giro corresponded?
Exactly. Fortunately, women's cycling has grown a lot in every aspect, and we see a lot of races on television. I consider myself an "old school" technician who doesn't like going to the start or after the arrivals to talk to the girlsI prefer to let them concentrate and speak with a cool head. There's another aspect, too...
What?
I live near Montichiari. As a result I can often go to the velodrome when the girls are training. And we all know that the main figures in women's cycling compete on both the road and the track. We have an excellent collaboration with Bragato, and that helps a lot.
It's true that you know more about the elite, but is it still necessary to create a group?
At the World and European Championships I often met the core of the movement: Silvia Persico, Elisa Longo Borghini, Elena Cecchini, Marta Cavalli. I am in constant contact by message and phone.. Things will certainly intensify as we get closer to the World Cup and European Championships.
The girls from the so-called blue bloc were missing from the Vuelta. What did you see from the others?
I was pleased that Letizia Paternoster was able to wear the red jersey. Colonel Trinca and Borghesi also moved wellI will be lucky enough to follow the event live. Giro Women's cycling given my collaboration with RCS, the next few months will be crucial to get an overall picture.
How much did the senators help you enter this world?
Very. Cecchini, Longo Borghini, Guazzini and also Silvia Persico gave me a lot of informationThen it's up to me to filter them and figure out how to navigate this category.
What was the biggest difficulty?
With the junior category, being on the field was very useful. Even at the pre-race meetings I showed up and told the technicians to contact me for anything.From women's cycling, I've learned how carefully words must be used and how precise they are. They pay close attention to detail and are focused on what's being said.
Have you already scheduled any retreats?
We have no plans with the elite, again due to the issue of cost management. I preferred to try to do something for the juniors, the will is to take them to altitude before the World Cup in order to provide greater continuity of work.
Also because the U23 category is growing more and more.
Exactly. From this year onwards the Tour de l'Avenir Femmes increase the running days which will become the same as the boys. Furthermore, 2025 is the first year in which there will be a world championship reserved for this categoryPreviously, the elite category included everyone within the race, and the best under 23 was awarded. From this point of view too I have great support from Federation, especially in the figure of Amadio.
