When we met in the last few days Giorgia Bronzini, we had also talked to her about the arrival of other athletes who would have swelled the Italian patrol at the Human Powered Health. Except that writing about it would have been risky. There was no official confirmation, and in this case, "spoiling" information like that might seem unfair. Now, however, it's confirmed. Silvia Zanardi in 2024 he will race in the WorldTour with the American team.
The Piacenza native's farewell to BePink-Gold was no longer a secret, as she had anticipated, but rumors about her next destination had begun to circulate with various suggestions. Looking closely, Zanardi's move to Human (announced together with Katia Ragusa, who in fact leaves Liv following Bronzini) It is one of the most important market moves and one that more than one person has been expecting for a long timeWe spoke with Silvia about her past, present, and future. She appeared relaxed after the holidays and at the same time motivated for the second part of her life (both human and athletic) that is about to begin. She has no shortage of projects and goals.
Giorgia and Silvia, a Piacenza connection
For the jump to the WorldTour, Zanardi couldn't have hoped for betterThe flagship will be driven by her compatriot Bronzini, also announced a few days ago by Human. Both of them started their cycling career in the Gs Franco Zeppi of Piacenza, but they have other things in common. that can become an added value for each other. Bronzini has clear ideas about his heir.
«Silvia will be a good bet “I'm sure that, as a true Piacenza native, she'll show her strength and give me satisfaction. I think the fact that we're from the same city will play in our favor.” Having her at home will make it easier to help whenever she needs it. Both to be followed in training and to talk or compare notes. I also think the same will apply to her with me."
«In my opinion – continued Bronzini – this year Silvia has taken another step forward. When she was called up at the last minute to the European Championships, she showed that there is nothing to explain to her about how to run or what to do.Everyone, including coach Sangalli, complimented her on her performance and her desire to be a part of the team. I hope that these characteristics of hers, which are common to Italian women, will act as a glue with her other teammates.I'm increasingly convinced, as I've always said, that it's the team that makes the difference. Cohesion and unity among the girls can lead to great results."
Silvia, let's start with what your future sports director told us.
I think Giorgia will be very important for each of us. I know we can count on her for anything.He's had a fantastic career both on the road and on the track, and he's already achieved a lot as a coach. Athletically, we're similar. I also do the dual road-track activity like she did and I know she will be able to understand my needs or the jobs to be done.. It will be an honor and a privilege for me to be on the team together. And think that when I signed the contract, I didn't even know that Giorgia was there because I didn't know about his hiring.
When did your negotiation with Human begin?
I had my first contact with them in the first part of 2022 because they already wanted me for this year.I hadn't accepted the proposal because I didn't feel ready. However, we agreed that we would keep each other updated. Last July, After the Giro Donne, they contacted me again and made me understand that the doors were still openAt that point, the time had come to take the big leap. I was more confident and self-aware.
Many WorldTour teams had expressed interest in you in the past. Last year, there were rumors that Movistar had everything lined up for you. Why didn't you feel ready?
It's true, I had several offers, but I wanted to move to a team where I could mature at the right time. I just felt like I hadn't completed my growth process.Overall, I wanted and needed to fill many gaps in many psychophysical and technical aspects. Now many juniors who are doing well want to move straight to the bigger teams. Perhaps without realizing it they pay a heavy price, while I think he's still doing well in his apprenticeshipIt must be said, however, that when I became elite, those were different times, even though not many years have passed.
What convinced you about Human?
First It's the team that has sought me out with the most insistence and consistencyI must tell you that I had already considered this team for a possible move, precisely because of the discussion I was having earlier about the paths to follow. Human is a beautiful reality, very well organized and equippedThey're not as big a team as others, but they've shown they know how to compete in the WorldTour. They're improving every year, and I know they work well with young riders, too. I signed for a year because I don't feel like I've arrived and I want to prove it.I want to confirm myself at a high level, enrich my technical knowledge and if possible, carve out some space for myselfFor me, this is a new starting point, and right now I'm in no rush to think about 2025.
Bronzini actually told us he'd like to make you one of the team's top players. What are your goals?
Preparations for 2024 begin soon. The European Championships will be held in January and I would like to be in good condition. Honestly, this WorldTour deal gives me an extra boost. We'll see what the team and I can do to plan our schedule, even though I already know I'll be moving up in terms of racing. I'll talk to Giorgia later to see what she has in mind for me. I certainly know that I will want to improve, but I also know that I will not want to distort my physical characteristics. because I honestly like them the way they are (smiles, ed.).
How do you feel about saying goodbye to BePink and your mentor Zini?
These have been five incredible years, beautiful and full of great successes. When I think about it, they seem like a long time, but they also went by so quickly. Everyone did their best for me. They helped me become a real athlete.a. I'm sad to leave, but I had to take this step sooner or later. It was the right thing to do. Walter was happy with Human's callI'm grateful to him. Precisely because he's the one who knows me best, in fact. we decided that he will still be the one to follow me for the training tablesHe will work in conjunction with the coaches of my new team.
Does it seem like we're looking at a different Silvia Zanardi, or are we wrong?
Exactly, that's right, you saw it right. I've made some strong decisions. I'm realizing that I'm at a stage in my life where I'm taking important steps for my future.It's not just the Human engagement that stimulates me and will do me good, but there is also the desire to get a house of my own in the hills of my provinceI've been looking around these past few weeks and would like to finish something before the new season gets off to a flying start.
