This weekend is Federica's first at home VenturelliI only cycle a little, to keep my legs in shape, and spend the rest of the time studying, because school rightly requires concentration and attention. On the other hand, the champion of the Valcar-Travel&Service He comes from two trips abroad which have clearly shown his value in the junior category.
Not at all afraid of the new generation, Venturelli showed up at the start of two Nations Cup races, both in stages, EPZ Omloop Van Borsele in Holland and Tour du Gevaudan Occitanie in France, bringing home a second place and a victory in the overall standingsA general demonstration of superiority that particularly impressed the foreign selectors and opens up new perspectives.
«I didn't think I would go so fast – admits the eighteen year old Italian – I started calmly, I showed up at these races above all for understand a little more about my value from one year to the next. Two unexpected results have arrived."
Let's try to retrace these three crucial weeks. When introducing the Dutch race, you made it clear that it wasn't suited to your characteristics...
The first time trial stage was flat, over 14 kilometers, but the wind made it very tough. It was that one that built the ranking because the next two stages were flat. I finished the time trial in second place, 14" behind the British rider. Sharp, an old acquaintance because we have often faced each other on the track. In the following stages I tried to recover through the intermediate sprints that gave bonuses.In fact, I more than halved the gap. Both races ended in sprints, and that's really not my strong point.
Yet you always ended up in the top spots, around tenth place.
I knew I had to stay ahead to avoid any risks, so I sprinted, trying to stand out as much as possible. In the end, I ended up 4" behind, and there really wasn't much more I could have done.
The second race, two weeks later?
It was shorter, just two stages, but much tougher in terms of altitude. There were many climbs, especially in the first part, and the group split up. In the final, the Frenchwoman and I broke away. Bego and I beat her in the sprint. The second was a little easier and became very tactical, the national teams worked very hard and I have to say thank you to my teammates who did a great job. In the end I finished second behind the Ferguson, but in front of Bego and so I achieved the victory.
What impression did you get of the overall level?
The impression is that the level is not that different from last year for the simple reason that it was already very high. I've certainly seen the Frenchwoman have grown a lot compared to 2022, she was already one of the strongest in the world in her category, but now she has something more. Then The two Canadian Holmgren twins are going very well but I know them well, they are already at the top in cyclocross and also in mountain biking, when going uphill they are truly exceptional. Among the new ones, Ferguson stands out, I knew everyone was talking about it and it is truly top-notch., it is no coincidence that he won the second stage in France.
And is the Federica Venturelli of today different from the one of last year?
Difficult question, because I notice that the parameters are different. The opponents change, but I have changed too. I feel that there are improvements, these two trips have told me above all that I am able to maintain a more constant performance, last year I was more fitfulI'm able to adapt more to what each race throws at me, and that's part of growing.
Of course, we're talking about juniors, but standing out in two stage races is no small feat. Do you think you have a natural inclination for this type of race?
I hope so, let's say that for now I'm doing well, but I know well that two races that don't go beyond three days of competition don't mean much. I'm doing well on climbs so far, but I'm certainly not built like a climber. So I can't know what my elite performance will be in a few years. I know I'll have to work hard, that's for sure..
Do you have any other trips planned?
On May 21st there is the Tour of Flanders where I would like to do well, then there will be a period dedicated to training in which I would like to prepare well for the regional time trial championshipI saw in Holland that, despite finishing second, I'm far from last year's level precisely because I hadn't done any specific training. And then...
Then?
Then I have to give priority to studying. Every time I come home I find myself with a pile of homework, subjects I have to catch up on, now are the crucial weeks and I have to concentrate on studying, so my friend the bike will be a bit neglectedBut we'll make up for it, that's for sure.
