A great start for Daniele Pontoni's Italian national team, who thanks to a splendid Valentina Corvi immediately obtained the silver medal at the European Cyclocross Championships in NamurOn the same path he had conquered third place in the World Cup 2021
The victory went to theDutch Lauren Molengraaf, who only managed to detach Corvi by just 3 seconds in the final, while the Belgian Xaydee Van Sinaey climbed onto the third step of the podium. Debutant Arianna Bianchi's eleventh place was excellent..
Right away at full speed
Ready, steady, go and the Corvi took off like a rocket, perfectly carrying out the recommendations of the city Pontoni. «Do the race in front and maximum attention on counterslopes».
Split with British Cat Ferguson, Valentina took the lead until the end of the second lap, when Molengraaf and Van Sinaey came backThe Dutchman from Team Tormans, leader of the Junior World Cup, she then alternated with the Italian to dictate the pace at the front. It was a beautiful hand-to-hand battle that was decided on the final ramp 250 meters from the finish line.
"I started off strong," commented a delighted Valentina Corvi in front of the bus. "I knew I could do well here. Without fear, I got to the front, so On the downhill I could make my own trajectories and on the uphill I was able to push well.
«The race was tough right from the start, it was decided on the last lap where there were three of usI took the last counter slope in front but then I did something wrong and Molengraaf closed me downI gave it my all in the final but I couldn't close the gap. I want to thank the entire Italian Team for supporting and motivating me. to reach this beautiful goal."
Pontoni moved
Two steps away, Daniel Pontoni he had a clear look of those who know that one of their athletes has done well, indeed very well.
«Valentina – he said – he interpreted the race in the best wayThis is a race you have to attack. You can't wait for both the course and what others are doing. Running in the lead allows you to make a few small mistakes, then if someone makes a mistake behind you you have a clear path..
«Valentina had a great race, but I don't want to forget Arianna, who in her first year and her first experience in the national team starting from the last row, finished just outside the top ten».
Bianchi's debut
Bianchi did very well, making an excellent debut. Lap after lap, she managed to climb the rankings.
«I'm very happy – she says – first for Valentina and then for myself. The route was beautiful, very technical but also with sections where you could pushI'm not used to running in such beautiful places, it was pure joy."
Now on to the U23 men (Toneatti's fourth place was already a splendid one) and elite women to close out Saturday with more surprises.
