The businesses of Van Aert are still before our eyes, his weekend was so exhilarating that it made even another giant like Van der PoelWatching yet another challenge between two of the masters of cyclocross (without forgetting the illustrious absentee Tom pidcock) distant images came back to mind, those of Daniele's exploits Punctual, the last Italian world champion (at the top, Wikipedia image: 1992 amateur world championships won by the Italian in Leeds, who then won among the elite in 1997 in Munich). When Cittì raced, at the end of the last century, he was certainly a different cyclo-crosser, but what would the Friulian have done in the presence of such champions?
Making comparisons between different eras is always a very difficult task, yet this little dialectical game can also provide interesting references on how to approach the Three Tenors without feeling defeated from the start as too often happens to the other "godfathers" of the activity on the meadows.
Pontoni happily lends himself to the game, while emphasizing how many things have changed over time: "I don't even consider the equipment; I simply observe how profoundly the routes have changed since then. One thing must be underlined first of all: in terms of strength I could not compete with such champions in the slightest.. So I would try to play my cards by focusing on their weaknesses, which are certainly few."
Where would you have had a chance?
Certainly not on sandy paths, which I have never digested, precisely because they become a physical issue and I certainly didn't have the power on my side. I really liked challenging and technical courses, like Gavere where I actually won twice.On similar courses, I would have entered the race with deep respect for my opponents but without fear, knowing I could make a good impression. In Zonhoven, the site of the final World Cup race, I would have started out defeated.
Which routes did you feel most comfortable on?
The ones where you "worked" the most, the city ones to interpret, even the tracks with mud and snow I always likedAnother aspect must also be taken into consideration: if I had been born in this era, I would have completely changed my training method, this must also be taken into consideration.
Speaking of Van Der Poel, you've faced his father many times. What are the differences?
Mathieu has more power and class, but Adrie had an unparalleled stubbornness on her part., he never gave up. Instead I have the impression that the child travels at full speed as long as things are going well, but when adversity appears he has a tendency to give up, first of all mentallyFor me, his father was an inspiration, he helped me in my first times in Belgium and Holland and then he was a fierce opponent, he taught me to never give up.
We haven't talked about Pidcock yet…
I have to say that the British one is perhaps the one most similar to me. I see myself in certain things and precisely because of this characteristic it would have been the most difficult for me to deal with, because I wouldn't have known how to take it. The main difference with him is that he's very dedicated to the show, while I was more down-to-earth. I wasn't much interested in the exhibition aspect; I was focused on achieving the maximum result with the minimum effort.
Based on what you saw in Zonhoven, is there really a big difference in favor of Van Aert at the moment?
The results speak for themselves. From what we saw in Zonhoven, there is really a big difference: Van Aert has shown that he is far above everyone else.When the gaps are this big you can't make excuses, but that doesn't mean they've already won the world championship. The race takes place in Hoogerheide, a completely different route And above all, it's Van Der Poel's home race. The crowd has a huge influence, and can give the Dutch champion an extra boost. It's all up for grabs.
And what about Italy? The latest results haven't lived up to expectations. Are you still optimistic?
For the categories where we have a chance of a podium finish, yes, I need to be, especially as the event approaches. I repeat, Zonhoven was a completely different route than the one we will find in the world championship raceI still have good feelings, but we have to keep working hard.
