A few hours ago he was on the ring of the Lee Valley Velopark in London for the final act of the UCI Champions League of the track. Even this year Silvia Zanardi was one of the protagonists of the spectacular event organized by Discovery Sports EventsThe result at the end of the five tests is worse than twelve months ago, but that's not what counts or worries.
«In this race – explains the 22 year old from Piacenza serenely BePink – there's always a nice prize pool up for grabs and they all go like clockwork. I gladly did it again this year because it's useful for traveling alone and learning to better set up the bike., although in Berlin I hurt my finger while setting up the gear ratio (laughs, ed.).»
There are many objectives in Zanardi's sights for next season, in which he will no longer be U23Silvia is in fact growing up and she, from being incurably dissatisfied with herself as if she had not yet won or done anything, He wants to make his mark before finding a place in a WorldTour team in 2024.His words begin to alternate with ours…
How did this Champions League go? You didn't just play it to gain experience, because you already have that.
I have to say yes. I actually helped Rachele (Barbieri, ed) advising her on longer relationships, Since we have short, explosive races here, unlike the other ones we do with the national team. I started off feeling a bit tense in the first two races, in Mallorca and Berlin, but already in Paris I felt better. I approached the last two days in London more confident. Here it is., I really think that this year's Champions League could be useful for me for the European track championships that will take place in Grenchen from 8 to 12 February.
It will be the first big event of your 2023. Are you already thinking about it?
I would still like to do the Madison, the points race and the quartet (respectively gold and two European silvers in 2022, ed.) but I have to talk about it both with the coach Villa than with Walter (Zini, BePink team manager, ed.). However From tomorrow until December 15th I will be on retreat in Calpe with the national track group and we will have the opportunity to outline some programs. By the way, we'll be doing a couple of races in those days either in Anadia or Grenchen. We're waiting for confirmation.
Staying on the blue theme, after this year's World Cup, there's also the road group to take care of, right?
I integrated well because fortunately many of them are also in the track group And that makes everything easier, even though we all know each other in the end. I went to Australia to compete in the U23s if the situation arose. But above all, I went to make myself available to help my teammates. I think I gave my contribution, but I also think I showed Paolo (the city Sangalli, ed) to be able to count on me to support the team.
Movistar, BikeExchange, and a couple of other WT teams were interested in you, but you decided to stay with BePink. Why?
Of course I have always been flattered and still am by these rumours. I did not accept their proposals because I preferred to continue the growth process that I started here.I think I'm doing well, but I'm still young. Here in 2023 I have the opportunity to take a further step with the right pressure, even if with Walter, who was up with me in London, there isn't the right pressure (he says smiling, ed.).
Exactly, he uses the carrot and stick with you. What does he tell you about that?
Walter would like to run more in the North to give me experience. I don't like the races in Belgium, for example. There are cobblestones, there are tough climbs, and it's too cold.I always tell him they're not for me. I like to stay warm (laughs, ed.). Jokes aside, he's right and I know I have to go through these races to train. In 2023, not having to prepare for the U23 track races with the national team, I will be able to race more on the road, perhaps going more to the North.
Considering your season, what do you need to improve on for next year or in general?
I would like to keep greater mental continuity between one period of competitions and anotherConcentration, if we want to give it a name. This spring I had a moment where I was a bit lost. Being a year older I shouldn't repeat the same mistakes. Or at least I hope so. I'll certainly work to ensure that such episodes of lack of concentration never happen again.
How does Silvia Zanardi see herself growing up? That is, from the end of 2023 onwards?
I don't hide the fact that I would like to join a WorldTour team. I know that team managers and sport directors of other teams are always watching everythingMany things, from results to what happens outside or away from the races. I've had good results so far, but I can do better. Next season I would like to raise the level of victories or performances I have had this yearThat would be another great calling card for anyone who comes looking for me.
