Il Italian Cyclocross Championship it will be run on Sunday (opening photo from the press office of the 2023 CX championships). And now everything is ready in Camping Roma Capitol In Castel Fusano, Ostia. A route that promises to be quite fast will wind through its pine forest and meadows.
In light of this path and the values shown so far, we asked that old fox who is Martin Fruet who are the favorites, both among men and women. And as always, the Trentino did not skimp on technical opinions.
Watch out for the ribbon
«The path of the tricolour cyclocross – Fruet immediately gets to the point – It may be fast, but until you turn around you can't make a complete judgment. What if it rains? How is the ribbon laid? How long are the straights? There are several variables to consider.
"Let's start with the fact that the weather is expected to be good. If it rains, it will rain a little on Saturday afternoon, but it won't be much, and that should ensure a certain stability of the ground."
We we compared this track to that of Lecce 2021 at the same time flat and fast. The comparison holds, but even in this case Martino wanted to dot the i's.
«It was true that it was flat, but between the rain and the passages of the previous races it became a real route, even technical in some places».
And when we tell him that the path favors power, Fruet immediately replies and brings us back to the layout of the ribbon.
«Bertolini, for example, does not have a powerful physique, but if the ribbon were to be tightened with curves and counter-curves he can have his say. Furthermore, even though he is not a giant, in Silvelle a few years ago he was not afraid to "jostle"».
Men: open challenge
Let's begin the review of names. The list is not that short, especially if the race were to be smooth. as one might expect.
«The names are those: Gioele Bertolini, Jacob Dorigoni, Philip Fontana, Nicolas Samparisi, Federico Ceolin... But the way things have gone in the last few seasons I can only put Bertolini and Dorigoni as the first favourites.
«Even if it hasn't been going very well so far Jakob is still the reigning champion and deserves a mention. And he's recently shown signs of recovery. While Bertolini is still Bertolini. Plus, he comes from Northern European cross-country skiing and is used to a different pace."
«Then there are hot names like Filippo Fontana, who has shown he is going strong, and Also keep an eye on Daniele Braidot. Another rider who can do well and who perhaps deserves the title, especially given what he's given to cyclocross, is Nicolas Samparisi."
Finished? Not exactly, because Fruet then talks about tactics. And a cyclocross with tactics is more fascinating than ever.
«If a tactical race were to emerge, precisely because the course is fast and not very selective, how can you not include among the contenders a CominelliHe has a lot of power and experience. Then be careful Toneatti, if he doesn't run with the under 23s he automatically enters among the favourites. As you can see, the list of contenders is quite long.».
Regarding Toneatti, the technical staff confirmsAstana Qazaqstan Development Team, will be there and will run with the elite.
Women's cycling: "All in" on Persico
And if there is no absolute ruler among men and a great battle can be expected, among theand women, the tricolour already seems to have a name and surname: Silvia Persian.
«On paper – Fruet continues – The women's race seems already decided. Persico is much faster than the others. But then history teaches us that competitions must be run and completed.
«I'm going back to the previous discussion: If the course, the ribbon, were technical, maybe a few of them could resist her for the entire first lap and two or three could break away. But then Silvia would still be out. If there were to be longer straights, then there would be no contest: he would open the throttle and make the difference right away."
«His outsiders? Eve Lechner it didn't go badly in the Cup, but I would say that the first rivals are Sarah Casasola e Rebecca Gariboldi. I've seen them well throughout the season.
«Baroni and Arzuffi could be unknowns. The first is because she's rarely seen, but she also went to Northern Europe. And the second is because she hasn't raced much this year, but she's making a comeback."
