We would say “good first time”… Actually (almost) excellent. We are talking about the first day of the weekend of European Cyclocross Championships of Namur. The morning started with Pontoni in seventh heaven for the surprising silver of Valentina Crows, who finished just 3 seconds behind Dutchwoman Lauren Molengraaf, and the good 11th place of the rookie Arianna Bianchi in the junior women category.
Toneatti, wooden medal
Then in the early afternoon, excited by the young teammates of the blue group, our U23 boys responded with grit. Excellent, although bitter for having missed the podium by only 4 seconds, the fourth place of David Toneatti (in the opening photo) who finished behind the Belgian trio composed of Emile Verstrynge (gold), Thibau Nys (silver) e Witte Meeussen (bronze).
A sensational Fem Van Empel concluded the day of competition by winning a well-deserved gold. The Dutchman, despite a puncture that forced her to return to the pits to change bikes, finished 20 seconds ahead of her compatriot of Dominican origins. Ceylin del Carmen Alvarado. Hungarian Blanka Vas came in third. Our team came in fifth. Sara Casasola.
A difficult start
For the sake of chronology—and we ask the women to excuse us—let's return to the U23 men's race. During the warm-up, Davide Toneatti confided that he felt great, that the circuit fascinated him, and with a hint of modesty, he said that a top-five finish would be a great result, but after finishing fourth... satisfaction has given way to the bitterness of having just missed the podium.
«After a difficult start – Toneatti said at the end of the race – in the final we were there fighting for third place in three, I even managed to break away then In the final I made a mistake and lost my chances of winning a medal».
It must be said that Davide had played the safety card by pumping up the tires a little more.
Pontoni furious
But what did Daniele Pontoni think? "I'm sorry, and I'm telling you this now very calmly because an hour ago I was really pissed off... about Davide's fourth place. I consider it a lost medal. It was an important occasion – says the coach who he knows Toneatti very well having had him in his DP66 – putting our jersey on the podium in Namur at the home of the Belgians in a European championship would have been wonderful.
«All the conditions were there to get there, but we had to be more aggressive. There are times when you have to be ruthless and not soft, and on the last climb he was soft. But we have to accept the result even if it stings."
How much mud
In all the races, you really had to "fight" to stay ahead. Everyone praises an epic course, a stadium-like cheering that pushes you to push your limits, but the recurring technical difficulties have literally massacred the organisms. It was impossible to spare ourselves, and despite the mud-studded tires, in some places it was difficult to stay upright and on the bike, as a very satisfied Sara Casasola confirmed.
«I'm very happy – said the Friulian – I honestly didn't expect it. The route, although beautiful, was truly challenging, hard but very much to drive. In some places you had to swing from right to left just to get grip. I was hoping for a top ten finish, so finishing like this is a good result. They were really strong at the front; I saw them for a moment halfway through the race, then I had to manage it because I struggled a bit in the final laps."
In conclusion we can talk about a very positive first day for the Italian national teamEveryone honored the shirt, everyone gave their all.
And tomorrow?
At the final point of the city Daniel Pontoni There's a hint of regret for Toneatti's fourth place, but above all, a lot of satisfaction.
«I'm happy first of all for my staff – said the Friulian coach – because I know how committed they are and how much they put heart and soul into the work they do to help our players perform at their best. As always, I thank the team manager Robert Amadio and the president Cordiano Dagnoni who gave me the opportunity to lead these magnificent guys here in Namur too."
Pontoni has complete faith in the juniors' potential, even though they've disappointed him the most in the first two cup matches. Then there's the U23 women's team, where, unfortunately, the Italians are playing a bit of a supporting role. Finally Joel Bertolini with a path suited to his characteristics he aims for a top ten, word of the city.
