Look Vito By Tano together with Joel Bertolini e David and Goliath immediately come to mind, the physical difference between the two is too great, as well as the era in which they emerged. The opening photo, in an old press conference at the Guerciotti, is exemplary, yet the points of contact are many, starting with the fact that both have risen to the top of the Italian cyclocross hierarchy. Now that strange combination has been recomposed: it's true, Gioele has his own trainer, but this has little impact, At Guerciotti Selle Italia, reuniting the former world champion coach and the young up-and-coming rider was too tempting..
The detail that makes it all even funnier is the fact that when we ask the Apulian sports director about the topic, he bursts into a hearty laugh: «And how can you make a comparison? Gioele and I are complete opposites, like night and day. Two opposite physicists but also two very distant eras: we often start talking about our respective experiences, he doesn't even believe me when I tell him that In my time in cyclocross races there was even a kilometre and a half to do on foot, now if there are 200 metres they complain... ".
Yet in the preparation of cyclo-cross riders, the walking part is still given great attention; Van Aert, for example, even showed up at the start of a half marathon…
Yes, but the routes are now all smooth, fast, and spectacular. I was saved by my "engine", On foot I was able to gain a lot on those who were lighter, especially in difficult weather and terrain conditionsFor example, nowadays, you don't see many cross-country riders like me who are 1,93 meters tall, but even on the road, they're decidedly rare. I admit, today I would have had a hard time...
So Bertolini is a “son” of this cyclo-cross era?
Of course, It is ideal for this type of competition, in races where, in addition to experience – and that is being built – variations, continuous relaunches, repeated sprints are needed, a bit of everything that is useful for those who travel the road.
Gioele is certainly not a new discovery for you…
We've known each other since he started in the juniors and our partnership lasted until 3 years ago, then he decided to try to dedicate himself more fully to mountain biking to earn an Olympic chance, but we parted ways amicably and kept in touch. He was unlucky, the injury slowed him down and climbing back up is not easy, also because you always find yourself starting from behind.This year we talked, he told us he wanted to return to racing cyclocross seriously, to return to the World Championships in Valkenburg and we immediately supported him.
How did you find it again?
Humble and focused. Gioele has great ability: he is someone who always questions himself and his return comes from thisHe knows that recovery is difficult, he's basically coming off a two-year absence, so in international events he has to climb back up, start from the back, and it takes time. But we have it, and we'll do everything we can to make it happen. He avoided the final races of the MTB season precisely because he wants to get back to his old self.
We were talking earlier about your physical differences. Are there any similarities between you technically?
On the climbs, I was an elephant compared to him… Gioele is very fast, he also has particular driving skills and has a great strength of character because he faces everything with great calmness, before and during the race. His lack of anxiety is good for the whole team, especially the younger ones. Jakob Dorigoni for example, he's very different, he's more of a crazy horse, he always has a hint of nervousness, but it's his way of approaching the event.
Compared to your time, how much have bikes changed?
We're talking about two very distant worlds... In my time, for example, we used 65 frames, the ones today seem half that, we felt like we were driving trucks with trailers because they were so heavy to lift.
What do you expect from Gioele?
He is working calmly, the first objective is to be ready for the European Championship on November 7th, then we will take stock of the situation to plan the season because we will not be able to be at our best until the end of January, We will have to understand where we can download, also considering that for us there is not only the international season, the Italian one is fundamental for the image of the sponsorsWe'll have to sit down and study; if we've saved up some satisfaction, it will be easier.
