The Cyclocross World Cup comes to Italyin Val di SoleIf the Trentino town is a temple of mountain biking, it is instead a novelty when it comes to cross-country skiing. The Vermiglio race will not be just any race. It will be entirely on snow because, ultimately, the idea is not only to offer a memorable show, but also to bring this specialty to the masses. Olympics WinterIn this context we heard the veteran Eve Lechner and the young woman Lucia Craved.
How are these two queens of Italian cross and FAS Airport ServicesWhat do they expect from this super stage of the World Cup?
World Cup in Italy, how do you feel? More motivation?
LUCIA: I'd say yes: more motivation. The World Cup is returning to Italy after a long time. I think the last time was in Fiuggi (in 2017, ed.). And yes, I'm excited; it's the first time I've run a World Cup race at home, especially on a course that's all snow. I've never competed there at all. There will be plenty of fun, I'm sure of it!
EVE: What does it mean? For me there are more stimuli, we are in Italy And it's something special. An extra push to do well. Not to mention that there will be friends, family, and lots of people cheering us on.
Did your foreign opponents ask you anything?
LUCIA: No, at least not to me. They're more accustomed to these conditions. I've seen it with my own eyes: up there the weather changes very quickly, from sun to snow in an instant.
EVE: No, no one asked me anything.
Do you know the route?
LUCIA: I'm "discovering" it from social media profiles and what organizers post. There isn't a blade of grass. In the lower section there are more straights, in the higher section a few more curves. But there are no dangerous sections. If there is any ice, because I saw that it was beaten with cats every day. It won't be easy to stay on your feet!
EVE: I know the area. I did a mountain bike race right in Vermiglio. Very it will depend how it will be prepared il PlotIf it were on grass, it would be a very simple course, but with snow, it becomes technical. They've included some climbs; we'll have to see how steep they are. In any case, it will be very interesting.
Lechner dominated the last two Italian races Lucia showed good condition, especially in adverse conditions
Lechner dominated the last two Italian races Lucia showed good condition, especially in adverse conditions
Who will be the favorites?
LUCIA: I have to say that this year there are many under 23s who are going strong, especially Puck PieterseShe's a year older than me, but she often competes with the elite. She's very strong technically. But let's not forget ours: Eva , Perch.
EVE: The favorites for me are the Dutch, especially the young ones who aren't afraid of anything. And also the Canadian. Maghalie rochette It's going very strong. I saw that there will also be the YourEven though she's making her return, she'll be one to keep an eye on. Not to mention that she's experienced and has already competed on snow.
Very good in domestic races, a little less so in international ones: what do Italian female cross-country riders lack to be on par with the others? Is it a question of "engine" or technique?
LUCIA: For me it's a question of technique. In Northern Europe, they have an advantage because they were born into schools where technique is taught from an early age. Cross-country is their first sport, and they're already on the ball at a young age. Eva, our best cross-country rider, always told me she learned everything on her own. She's never been to school. Up there, however, the teachers are those who have experienced and experienced certain terrains and situations, like my dad. For this reason, I consider myself very lucky.
EVE: Technique and driving I would say definitely not, if anything it's more of an engine difference. But I can be there up front with them. Obviously, everything has to go well. The level is very high.
Have you been training in the snow these days, as it's been snowing even at low altitudes in Northern Italy?
LUCIA: Unfortunately, it didn't snow where I was, otherwise I would have definitely tried! I really like it when there are special situations like a lot of mud. They liven up the race. And maybe snow is a bit like mud.
EVE: Yes, I trained on the snow, here at my house it went up 20 centimeters. It's not easy but I enjoy going there. When it snows, I ride my bike in the snow, but I don't go looking for it. Also, if I have to do specific work, asphalt is always better.
Eva Lechner (born 1985) Lucia Bramati (born 2003)
Eva Lechner (born 1985) Lucia Bramati (born 2003)
How do you feel about the snow?
LUCIA: I ran there last year in Nalles. The problem wasn't staying upright, but the cold... which I suffer a lot from. In fact one of my goals for Sunday will be not to be cold, because when it gets to you, when it gets inside you, it can compromise your race.
EVE: In my career I have faced some races in the snow, but A specially prepared route is one thing, while finding snow on a normal trail is another. In any case, I can say that when I found it, I did quite well. The first race I did there was in 2009 in Holland. It snowed heavily that day. But then again, finding snow is one thing, and racing on a prepared surface is another, so I'm very curious to see what happens.
Have you already chosen your bike setup? And your clothing, given what happened in Nalles last year?
LUCIA: I'll leave covered up as much as possible, and if it gets cold I might even wear two thermal shirts. My friends make fun of me because I'm practically wearing ski gloves! A pair of gloves Northwave Very, very thick. But keeping my hands warm is a priority for me; if they get cold, it's difficult to even shift gears or brake. Even for shoes, I use sock-style ones that help with the cold. As for the bike, we'll see on site with the mechanic and dad. It's all new, and we'll figure out the best setups there.
EVE: Let's say I already have some ideas, especially about clothing. But I'll decide on the spot. As for the bike, it's more of a question for the mechanics and... Luca Bramati.
What do you like about Eva/Lucia?
LUCIA: Since Eva entered our lives, since dad trained her, for me she was like a big sister. She's helping me grow and mature on the bike. She's my roommate. I have a wonderful relationship with her; she gives me lots of advice and manages to calm me down. I enjoy being with her.
EVE: She is a very simple girl and I'm amazed by his calm approach to competitions. A peace of mind that sometimes I would like to have too!
