The Queen is back. Eva Lechner, for years the beacon of Italian cyclocross – his nine consecutive national titles are memorable – he is starting the cyclocross season off on the right foot. For her two victories in the last two races: Salvirola and Florence. For the South Tyrolean, born in 1985, this is the 14th season among the elite, but the enthusiasm and seriousness are the same as always (opening photo from the web).
After the mountain bike season with the Trinx Factory Team, Lechner moved on to the mud of cross with the colours of Ale Cycling Team. Last year he had done much less after the MTB season. He needed a longer break. But this year the desire for cross-country skiing has returned to what it once was… perhaps also for this reason.
Eva, the season has started off very well, one might say…
Actually, the start wasn't exactly great, but after five races things started to get better. My condition is improving. I caught a very bad cold right before the first races, and I could feel it all over... So far, I'd say it's good, but I'm not at my best yet.
What will your season be like? What can we expect?
The idea is to do well in every situation. I've already competed in seven races. On Sunday the race will be held in Modena, basically at my team's home, then I will do all the races of the Line of Business and the other Italian races, including the stage of World Cup in Val di Sole (December 10, ed.).
No Northern Europe?
Yes, but in December. We have planned the Namur race and then after Christmas the idea is to do other races. But we still have to decide whether to move forward or back, or stay up there for a while. Let's see.
Eva, you're an expert now; you've always had your chances at the top, but perhaps this year, without some road racers, you'll have even more. Is this a burden or a motivation for you?
It doesn't change anything for me: I just do my races. True, I'm experienced and I'm a good age, but I've reached the point where I "can" and not "have to." I don't have to prove anything to anyone. If I can win, I'm happy to do so. If I am an example for young people, that makes me happy. And if I'm strong and I teach them something, I'm happy. I'll keep pushing. I'll keep giving it my all. In short, I'm not in favor of giving space to young people or for me to move. If I can, I'll win!
You have a long-standing relationship with the Azzurri shirt... are you thinking about the World Cup, the call-ups?
You should ask this question to Punctual... I would honestly like to do the World Cup, But I'm not the one who decides. I just have to think about going fast, and then the decisions are up to others. These aren't just an athlete's problems; the athlete has to try to give their all, period.
Which Italian women do you like? What do you think of this first glimpse of the season?
Well, There's Sara (Casasola, ed.) who's showing some good things. You could see that in the way she did in the Cup, finishing seventh. And in those races, to get into the top ten, you have to be fast. Even in Switzerland, where the level is very good, he was convincing. In general, he has a good pace. Then I also like Lucia (Craved, ed.) among the under 23s, she has also improved a lot. And Frances Baroni he's doing well in Belgium.
And internationally?
There are the two Dutch phenomena, Fem Van Empel and Puck Pieterse who need no comment. They're fast on every type of route. I like the young one. Zoe Backstedt who is growing very well. And the Luxembourgian is also a solid athlete Marie Schreiber and Hungarian Blanka Vas, which gets better year after year.
One last question, Eva. Maybe things have changed in the weather these days, but what do you think of this cyclocross race in the new climate? This discipline used to be about mud, rain, and cold... now we often race in temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius and everything is dry.
It's changed a lot, it's true. It's warmer. In the past I had never used a water bottle while running, this year always. And the routes too. They're tougher, faster, while I prefer them more technical, with mud.
