The natural border of the Alps between Italy and France is what geographically separates two teammates of the BePink. And also what ideally unites them due to their climbing tendencies. From one side Matilde Vitillo, born in 2001 in Frinco, Asti. On the other hand Jade Teolis, who turned twenty last January 12th in Lyon. The Piedmontese is in her second season with Walter Zini's team, the Frenchwoman arrived this year from AR Monex Women's cycling's Pro Cycling. Both want to make their mark when the going gets tough. But first, they know they'll have to tasks to be completed to complete their growth process. And meanwhile in Spain they have started to race.
Vitillo changes gear
«The race went quite well – explains Vitillo who opened the season at the Vuelta CV Feminas – and we always ran close together and in an organized fashion. We tried to keep ahead Silvia (Zanardi, ed.) for the finish, but unfortunately she fell at 100 meters. We'll see who will run the stage race (the Volta Comunitat Valenciana Femines from February 17th to 20th, ed.), but in the meantime we're continuing to train here in Calpe."
The Turin native's expectations are quite clear. "2022 will be a good starting point after I finished last year well." winning the Giro di Campania. The preparation is better than twelve months agoThis winter I ran on the track in Geneva and Grenchen. I've neglected it a bit lately (as a junior he won a world gold medal in the team pursuit and a European gold medal in the points race, ed.) because the aim is to improve on the road.
Zini's eye
For her, as for all her companions, it will be important to pay attention to the directives of zini (the two are together in the opening photo). «Walter is helping me a lot – he says – giving me lots of advice. He really pushes me to always stay focused in training because sometimes I get influencedWhen I'm alone I don't always have the same motivation as with the team. I have to work hard on that side of myself, but I notice that I'm already doing better."
Her physical development will also be a crucial step. "I'm a rouleur-climber. I need to work more on my power," she says, "to improve on climbs. In 2021 I felt the passageIn the first races, where I suffered a lot from the cold, I took some demotivating blows. In fact that's why Walter has made me work harder in the gym these past monthsI'm trying to become as well-rounded as possible, without any particular goals. I want to gain even more experience than last year and start better rather than chasing. This year too, I'll work with Silvia, who's our point of reference both in training and in competition. Then I hope I have a better chance of having carte blanche».
Teolis, French with Italian blood
If the Piedmontese has already shown her ideas at the end of 2021, a pawn yet to be discovered will be Jade Teolis, who has Italian blood.
«My father is originally from Cassino, in Lazio – says the French woman who studies economics at the University of Lyon in a special section attended only by athletes – but they say the surname is Greek. From the age of 6 to 11 we lived in my father's village, where I also went to school.My parents had some businesses there at the time before returning to France."
From dance to bike
A girl who came to cycling a little late, but who immediately found a great connection with the mountains around her home.
«Until I was 14 I did classical dance – she smiles – then I discovered cycling thanks to my father who cycled for pleasureI started with mountain biking, then I switched to road racing at the age of 15. I got better and better as time went by, and I noticed it as a junior with my regional team (Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, ed.). I like the climb, I did the Col du Galibier from the Telegraphe side and also the Col de la MadeleineBut I know I still have to work hard to feel good in the more difficult races or on par with those who are faster than me."
Contact at Ardeche
Giada, as her teammates call her, will be in her second elite year. "In 2021," she says, " I learned a lot from Sierra, Sperotto and RagusaThey were my teammates and great athletes. I did a lot of experience in many international competitions such as Strade Bianche, Ghent-Wevelgem, other Northern classics and the Giro di Toscana. I also ran the Tour de l'Ardèche where I did quite well.That's where the contact with BePink was born. I accepted their offer because Walter is a great teacher in helping you grow. I have a lot to learn about race strategies."
For Teolis, 2022 will also be the opportunity to earn another call-up to her national team.
"I played in the European Junior Championships for France in 2020," he explains, "but it's not my main focus. I'm still in touch with the coach. Everything will depend on what I do with BePink. If I do well with my club, the national team jersey could be a consequence. Now I I'm here to learn, grow and be useful to Silvia (Zanardi, ed.) While I help her, I will try to take inspiration from her and maybe steal a few tricks of the trade from our opponents."
