"This isn't the first edition. This is edition zero." Massimo Ghirotto, president of the off-road commission Italian Cycling Federation, as always uses wise words, while at the finish line in Argenta he was waiting with us for the arrival of Samuel ZoccaratoAfter the awards ceremony, he, the judges, and the organizer met for a debriefing, to immediately pinpoint what had worked and what hadn't (photo at the top @mario.pierguidi).
That comparison contributes (and will contribute) to draw up over time increasingly precise regulations for this discipline, at least in its competitive sense. It will be included in the "cauldron" of regulations. Gravel was born as an adventure, but adventure and racing cannot be put on the same level.
The path, therefore, must be traced.
Massimo, in Argenta we saw a very fast race, not very technical, but with a lot of dirt. Speaking of technique and routes, are you considering anything else?
We are already evaluating other options, maybe routes with more altitude difference, as we saw in Quattrodio, for the Monsterrato. And clearly the question of the regulation is also open. Maybe next time we'll have a tricolor with more hills, or a circuit race. A 25-kilometer loop, so there's only one refreshment point. Or a 40-kilometer loop: it's easier to manage, and with two refreshment points, you're good to go. Because these things also need to be considered.
Furlan also told us that a lot of personnel is needed for security and protection…
A lot. And the idea of a circuit route could make things a lot easier. Not only that, but With more streamlined logistics, it would be possible to have two separate races for men and women. Maybe women should work on Saturdays and men on Sundays.
Of course, this way the women's race wouldn't be affected by the presence of male amateurs...
Exactly, but as I repeat, and as was said in the debriefing, it's something we're learning. We talked about safety, logistics, and service at departure and arrival. the jury president wrote a favorable report. She herself spoke of a zero edition and of a discipline to be understood.
We've heard rumors that road pros interested in these gravel races would like to have support along the way: is that something you're discussing?
Absolutely not for now. Our guideline is the regulation UCIIf the UCI rewrites this regulation, we'll also see what to do. We don't want any interference between national and international regulations. At the moment, assistance while racing is not permitted in off-road racing. It's also a safety issue. The stretches of the Strade Bianche are one thing, and a route that is over 80% dirt road is another.
You yourself told us in Argenta how wonderful it was for the rider to be able to do it alone. To be autonomous. Do you think gravel will evolve along this philosophy?
We need to understand how to interpret this issue, because "gravel adventure" is one thing and "gravel race" is another. And I'm referring back to what happened to Zoccarato. At a certain point, he had cramps. He stopped pedaling, took his leg off the pedal, and had to fend for himself. He didn't have a flagship ready to give him water, moral support and so on. No, he had to listen to himself, he even overcame that "psychological crisis" on his own. I like it because it's a return to his roots. I also think gravel is already developing very quickly. And I'm sure that after the World Championships, some pros will think more about trying it.
How much will bicycle developments impact this evolution? For example, in MTB and cross-country, there's been a radical shift in routes: they've become more technical, and so have the bikes...
Returning to the UCI's statement, which in this case declared gravel cycling "cycling for all." And indeed, at Monsterrato, for example, some people rode road bikes and others mountain bikes. But those who want to experience the event with a competitive spirit have a gravel bike. Today these bikes are already at a very high level. Compared to a road bike, they have a wider fork and rear triangle to accommodate a larger tire, more inclined geometry... but basically they are very similar to a racing bike. I picked up one that of You heal, for example, and it was very light.
So in what direction might they evolve?
More than in terms of geometry, now I would say that they could evolve in terms of mechanics: I'm thinking of specific single chainrings, the issue of punctures with more robust and high-performance tyres, but I don't see any upheavals.
Speaking of punctures, do you think the pros would have been able to fix their tires? Because, no offense, but given that they have mechanics at the retreats and during the race, they make very few repairs...
Eh – laughs Ghirotto – I'll give a diplomatic answer! I tell them it's best for them to do some tests: they might find themselves having to replace a tire on the fly.
