This is the story of Lorenzo Masciarelli (in the opening photo Blieck), who at 16 years old he left everything to move to BelgiumImagine what it means at that age to change your life, your environment, your friends, to leave your family to go and live in a foreign country, following your dreams. That's what the young man from Abruzzo did, part of a dynasty of ridersTo become what he wants to be, a cycling champion. Today, not much time has passed, just under two years, and it makes him laugh to think back.
«It all started almost as a jokeWe had met at the races the group of Nico Mattan and Mario De Clercq (three-time cyclocross world champion, not just anyone, ed.) Seeing me compete, they invited me to take part in a race in Belgium. It almost seemed like a tripBut then they saw that I was doing well there too, which is the home of cyclocross. So they asked me if I felt up to it. to run for their team Callant Doltcini Cycling, but that meant I had to move. The first year was really tough. My father Simone was with me, but I could only see the rest of the family when I returned home, then there was the language... ".
How did you overcome the difficulties?
They helped me a lot. Mario, Nico, and the others. Little by little. I'm starting to get familiar with FlemishI've made new friends. Then there's the bike, the whole day revolves around it. The school is also dedicated to cyclingYou study in the morning and train in the afternoon. In my final year I'll be able to decide which path to take, whether mechanics, management, or something else, but everything revolves around cycling. In Belgium, there's really... a different way to experience this sportIt's a national sport, cyclocross in particular. When I started competing here, the thing that impressed me was see all the surroundingsThe big screens to watch the races, the stalls selling everything, but above all the people, so many people… But I have to say that today, even in Italy, things are improving.
Cyclocross or road?
I don't know, honestly I haven't decided and I don't know where this path will take meI like road races, both climbs and time trials, I think I have the characteristics of the climber-passistaMy physique helps me (he is 1,76 m tall and weighs 62 kilos, ed.), but I really like cyclocross. I would like to become like Van der Poel, who wins everywhere, I take a bit of inspiration from him.
What's your best cycling memory?
There are two. The first is linked to my first victory in Belgium, in ZonhovenSuperprestige race, a huge event, with spectators from all over. I competed among the second-year students and won, on a muddy course, with snow all around. I still get emotional thinking about it. The second is my first bike, a red Masciarelli with white lettering and rainbow stripes on the frame. It stayed in Italy; I think some of the kids from the youth team use it now…
Do you miss your Abruzzo?
Of course... I miss the weather, I miss the sea, I miss my friends. There's social media, we stay in touch, and when I get back down we see each other, but it's not the same. Add to that the difficulties of the period; competing without an audience, without everything that surrounds racing in Belgium, isn't the same. That's what's called "sacrifice"In my family they always told me that Cycling is closely linked to passion and sacrifice And if I want dreams to come true, I can't help it. So let's keep going like this...
