Who knows Federica? Venturelli He knows that seeing her on the sidelines of the races is what he can't stand the most.. She was not there in Namur and beyond the splendid performance of the Crows of silver and the good performance of the WhiteHis absence was felt. This year, too, he had already completed a long series of title-winning events, including cyclocross in January and then World and European Championships on both road and track.
The standard bearer of the Selle Italia Guerciotti Elite She stayed at home because of a sore throat that couldn't be blamed on a normal "seasonal illness": «I had been carrying it around since the summer, in August I was diagnosed with a streptococcal infection and after Tabor the problem returned.I knew it wasn't Covid, I had it at the beginning of the year and it wasn't the same. I had been much better then..."
Bad luck seems to have been against you lately. How's the arm you injured in Wollongong doing?
Luckily, he recovered completely. I was sorry not to be able to wear the blue shirt because it is always an emotion, something important to honor.There's an exceptional atmosphere in the national team, where we truly become one.
What could you have done on that path?
It wasn't right for me, I don't think I could have achieved great results. Luckily, Valentina (Corvi, ed.) is really strong on those tracks. Let's say we compensate each other and in this way we cover every type of raceThere's a healthy rivalry between us that leads us to try to improve precisely where the other is strongest.
How many cyclocross races have you been able to do so far?
In truth, there are only 4 matches played in the Italian away match in Spain and the match in Tabor, also with the national team. The overall result, considering my physical condition, is not bad. I had continued straight after the road season precisely with the European Championships in mind. It ended up that I stopped a little early…
Did you need to recover more physically or mentally?
Mentally, I had already recovered in the summer, taking a break before the World Championships. Physically, however, I hadn't yet recovered. The break was already planned, so I think bringing it forward and extending it did me good. Now, however, the worst is over and I've resumed training normally.
Also because Pontoni has openly said he's banking heavily on you for the World Cup...
I saw the world championship course last year, the coach had us juniors compete in the Elite World Cup race with the following year's World Championships in mind. I saw that it is a track that suits my characteristics, not too technical, where there is a lot to push.The important thing will be to be ready for the start, in the right condition. I have over two months to get ready, which is more than enough time.
How much does it cost you to stop every time? We know that a natural competitor like you always needs motivation...
I really enjoy the atmosphere of competitions; I find it very stimulating, especially because we're all friends in the group now, and human relationships are very important to me. With the life I lead, always away from home, it's difficult for me to make great friends at school, so I make up for it a bit with the national team., with cyclocross races, experiencing my trials and suffering for others.
We know you're completely engrossed in the cyclocross season, especially since you're still a junior, but are you already thinking about what awaits you on the road?
Yes, I don't lose sight of my other cycling activities and in this regard I think that in a few days there will be news regarding my team for 2023, but I can't make it official yet.
From the environment the destination appears to be that of the new Valcar, that He is banking heavily on the girl from San Bassano to rebuild the team after the diaspora of its talents towards the WorldTour, but we will certainly know more in the next few days.
