It's an Punctual The departure for Hoogerheide, home of the cyclo-cross world championships, is full of energy. Over the weekend (but it starts tomorrow with the relay) we will take stock of the work that began last summer and which continued not without jolts, not without some slaps on the wrist, especially towards the youngest.
Before proceeding with the presentation of the individual matches, the coach would like to get a few things off his chest: «After the summons – he says – I heard all sorts of thingsThe delegation is composed of 14 members because Samuele was recovered at the last minute. Scappini, but his hadn't been an exclusion for any reason. The Italian champion had had some physical problems, with his team we have remained in constant contact and we had also established a path towards the World Championship. His fitness was only confirmed on Tuesday, so he was added to the squad after the call-ups..There was no case."
Friday, team relay
The World Championships in Italy will begin immediately with a very important event. In the team relay, Italy starts as the defending champion, but Pontoni is playing down the issue.
«Compared to Fayetteville – says Pontoni – the situation has changed, nations are paying close attention to this new test. The Netherlands are playing at home and won't want to lose the first match, so I see them as clear favorites. We're there fighting for the podium with France and Belgium, but in a race like this everything has to work at its best, just a chain jump, a minimal problem and the race is over. However, if I had to choose a medal to take home, I would like it here because it expresses the strength of a movement."
The program will begin on Saturday with the junior women's race, and there are also great chances at stake here. Since the beginning of the season, Pontoni has said he is counting heavily on Venturelli considering the characteristics of the route.
«It's true – he says – but I wouldn't underestimate the Crows given his condition and his victory in Ostia Antica on a course very similar to the Dutch oneVenturelli is improving in condition, let's say we have two good arrows to shoot. Furthermore Valentina Corvi will start from the front rowFederica from second, this is an advantage and it is important because we will have to get into the heart of the race immediately.
Molengraaf is the favorite, but…
«Here certainly the Dutch Molengraaf is the favourite – Pontoni distinguishes – but I expect a different race compared to last year because Backstedt She was killing the competition from the start, while the Dutchwoman will have to work hard for it; she's not quite as superior. For the rest, watch out for the Canadian twins Ava and Isabella. Holmgren, but we are also there for the podium".
We are talking about the under 23s and our thoughts go back to the European Championships and the 4th place of Toneatti: «The regret for that podium that slipped away by mistake remains, but from then on Davide raced well, even on Sunday in Besançon he was in front for half the race. It comes from the preparation on the road with theAstana, he just needs to find some brilliance and agility again and he has been working on this in the last few days. I say he can repeat the European race, but also be careful Augustine, who was back in form when needed and who I really liked this week. Here I expect a fight between the Belgian NYS and Dutch Del Grosso, but focusing more on the former."
Persico tries again
Closing out Saturday will be the women's Elite race, with Silvia Perch ready to battle the orange battleship to repeat the extraordinary bronze of Fayetteville.
«Among the Dutch girls I really don't know who to choose – says the coach – Alvarado saved herself for the World Cup, Van Empel e Pieterse They gave up the U23 match to aim for the big target.Ilvia had some small problems but I expect her to be at her best on Saturday».
Can we also count on the internal war among the Dutch teams to surprise them? "Everyone will race for themselves, and certainly none will not apply the brakes. Persico knows how to read the race, if the opportunity arises I'm sure it will be there."
Juniors, chance for France
Sunday's program clearly has fewer expectations for the Italian team, but that doesn't mean there's any less attention—quite the opposite. Pontoni is a clear favorite in the junior race.
«The Frenchman Leo Bisials He showed he has something extra,” Pontoni says. “It doesn't matter that he lost in the home game of the Cup. I expect a lot from our players; I want an attacking performance. Scappini He will be the one who starts further ahead and must take advantage of the opportunity by catching up with the best. Much will depend on the weather, experts predict rain before the races and mud could change the cards on the table».
Following the under 23s with Italy fielding Carlotta Borello and Asia Zontone: «The two Italians have played almost the entire World Cup, the field says that they can aim for a Top 10 and that would be a great result. Here the Van Anrooij, the only one of the big names who didn't want to change category, should have a clear path to the title, we'll see if Backstedt is already ready to give her a fight".
Yet another battle between the two Tenors
Finally, the main course of the weekend, the men's elite race and then the challenge between Van Aert e Van der Poel: «I won't risk making a prediction because it's impossible – Pontoni underlines – never before have the two arrived at the world championship race in such a condition, there was always one of the two slightly belowAs a fan, I'm curious to see how it all ends. Van Aert may have more power, but the Dutchman is playing at home, he knows that route like the back of his hand, he knows where to trap him."
For Italy there will be only Filippo Fontana: "Getting into the top 10 would be like a victory, getting into the top 15 would already be a good resultThe condition is there, even in Besançon he was in the group behind the leaders. It takes a lot of skill, especially in the early stages, then we'll see."
