She experienced the last race with the dual role with which she had seen the other RCS Sport women's classics, but the city Marco Velo was able to take more guidance from the Giro d'Italia Women's cycling, in which he was one of the race directors. Besides, he had said it since the first day of the new assignment that during that week he would look even more deeply at situations and athletes.
In a season where there's a particularly demanding World Championship and a European Championship suited to many Italian athletes, Longo Borghini's "pink" victory and the strong performances of other Italian athletes are a godsend for Velo. Her notebook is full of names, notes, and reflections. Almost a week after the end of the Giro Women's cycling, we wanted to hear what the Brescian coach wrote.
Marco, what was the first analysis you did?
I left the 8 stages with the awareness that I was dealing with great girls. Not that I had any doubts before, but during the Giro Women's cycling, from what I saw, I had further confirmation. I have athletes who can run any type of race as protagonists and then I also appreciated their approach, as well as the attitude of the teams.
Have you noted down any names in particular?
The athletes' performances are those that we have all seen and that have been talked about so much in addition to what Longo Borghini always knows how to do. The work of Perch in his favor one cannot forget and for a citizen it's always nice to see actions and dedication like this. malcotti he had a great Giro, growing. Ciabocco Among the young ones I liked her and it gave me great signals. But I also think about Magnaldi e Gasparini who contributed so much to Elisa's victory, or Paladin for Niedermaier, just to give some examples. Well, the list is long and I'm glad it is., better to have abundance problems.
Are there any athletes you expected more from?
Those who know me know that I don't like to mention those who didn't do well, because I know there could be reasons behind it. I can tell you that I didn't get any negative impressions, and that, if you'll pardon the pun, is a positive thing. For example, I saw a worried Trinca Colonel that it didn't go as expected and he suffered more than he should have. I told her she doesn't have to prove anything to me because she was strong during the rest of the season. and I know what it can do or give. Almost the same thing applies to CavalliI was sorry to see Marta unable to express her true value., but I will try to talk to her and whoever manages it to understand what happened and what can be done differently.
During the Giro Women's cycling A certain lineup has been discussed more than once. Is it better for your national team to have a single lineup or to call up players from multiple teams?
When building a team for an international event you have to think about the economics and balance of the team itself.With someone like Longo Borghini, you have to think about her. So it's true that it can be an advantage to have girls from the same club because you already know how they would work for their captain, but It is equally true that whoever I called would behave impeccably.I have no doubt about that.
Does coach Marco Velo already have a team in mind for the World Cup and European Championships?
No, it's premature to name names at this time. Or rather, we have the right girls for the world championship, which is an absolute objective with the Longo Borghini seen at the GiroI'm not saying it's the opportunity of a lifetime for her because I hope she has more, but in Rwanda, with a similar path, you start to get results. Then you can win or lose the races, but Elisa is a guarantee and we know perfectly well that she will fight as always. In any case, there is still time for these two events.
So Longo Borghini is the sole captain in both events?
As a rider, I've grown accustomed to the idea that there's always one leader. It was like that when I was with Pantani and then with Petacchi. And I've retained this belief even as a coach. However, I am aware that it is better to have more alternatives, especially in a race that is always open like the European Championship. It will be held in Ardeche and it is suitable for many of our athletes. However, we will have to see how we will return from Rwanda. and how he will recover from the efforts and the journey. There is only one week difference between the World Cup and the European Championship (September 27 and October 4 respectively, ed.).
Taking a look at the U23s, from Giro Women's cycling did you take notes for Avenir Femmes?
Yes, of course. Instead of the four in 2024, this year there will be seven stages in six days (scheduled for August 23-29, ed.). Ciabocco will be the leader like last yearI still have some reservations to make about some of the other girls, but I'd say a good part of the team is done.
Will they be able to bring the U23s to Rwanda?
The World Cup situation for them is still up in the air, we need to understand it well. The hope would be to bring at least one young player, especially if she goes strong And deploy her, given that the U23s will be racing alone this year. Or, taking into account our contingent, consider having her race with the elites. As I said before, there's still time to make some decisions.
