It's easy to say that at the last test of the Giro d'Italia cyclocross In Mattinata all the big names were missing, but when the winner is a girl who has just graduated from the U23, it is an event that still makes the news, because it means that that girl has talent to sell and it was also seen in the previous stages, or rather in the previous editions, when Alice was still a junior Chat It had already appeared in the upper echelons of the rankings, at least in the shared laps given that the distances are different…
Alice is one of the many talents that emerged from the DP66 Giant SMP, a company that, until a few months ago, revolved around Daniele Punctual, the current hometown of the national team, capable of making the most of a small territory like Friuli, making it the true hub of Italian cyclocross. The curious thing about Papo, listening to his story, is that it intersects with that of another champion from his area, even an Olympic champion: Jonathan Milan.
"His mother was my kindergarten teacher," Papo says, "so she was in close contact with my parents, and as the days went by, a close friendship developed between the families. One day, Flavio Milan, Jonathan's father, was talking about his passion for cycling and the fact that he had a company (the Jam's Bike, ed.), He suggested to my parents that I try it: I never stopped.».
Jam's Bike is a team that operates mainly in off-road: is that why you're into cross?
Initially yes, in the summer I went mountain biking and in the winter I went cyclocross. Then I also started road running and I loved it.So I decided to try my hand at the superlight, leaving the MTB aside, but cyclocross remains my great love.
What do you like most about road racing?
The fact that I'm discovering myself little by little. I really like climbs, I can compete in small sprints, but in group sprints I still have a lot to learn., but above all, I see so much to discover ahead of me. In cyclocross, however, I think I know myself better: I like to start off strong right away and I prefer routes that aren't too difficult, but aren't that easy to interpret either.
What's the atmosphere like in the team?
I really enjoy it, there's a nice sharing environment. Daniele is an inspiration, a master who leads the way not only from a technical point of view, but 360°, on everything that it means to be a cyclo-cross rider.
They say that, especially with the younger ones, he is a bit strict…
It gives precise rules, but as time goes by you realize that they are all for the benefit of the rider, it educates you in the right way. He has the attitude of a stern father and when you spend time with him you understand that he does it because he really cares about us, he wants to guide us in the best way.
Tell the truth: as a teenager, doesn't that much authority weigh on you a bit, like it does at home with your parents for kids your age?
Well, yes, it's a bit like a parent, but I know he does it for us because he cares and in the end we're the ones who benefit, so that's okay.
Now that Pontoni is the national team's technical director, do you miss him at the club?
Not much has changed, Achille Santin has taken over his duties and looks after the team as if Daniele were still with us. Then we know that he always takes a look at what we do, at how we are doing. For our part, we are the ones who We want to achieve it because it means that we will have deserved a chance in the blue jersey.
How do you balance winter cyclocross with road racing and school?
It may seem difficult to say, but in the end, you just need to be organized. In cyclocross, thanks also to Alan's preparation and advice. Olive I see that I'm improving little by little, then as soon as the season ends I'llUC Conscio Pedal of the Silence He takes me with him. At school I am in the fifth year of the Commercial Professional Institute in Udine, as mentioned. All it takes is a little organization and the results will come, on the bike or not…
Do you have a particular dream?
I just want to do the best I can, push myself to reach my limit, whatever that may be.
