Winner of the Orsago Circuit, beating a certain Filippo in the sprint Cettolin, a true reference in the junior category, Riccardo Fabbro is one of the key elements of the team Moro-C&G Capital Supplies Industries. One might not consider it one of the most prominent teams on the national scene, yet He often manages to stand out and compete even with more prestigious teams with richer budgets.The example was found precisely in the classic Treviso race.
«It was a fast course – says the seventeen year old born in the provincial capital – on which we played in two teams, ours and the Borgo Molino. My teammates did everything they could to keep the race together and lead me towards the sprintI ran very protected by their wheel, then in the sprint I had more energy and I made it."
A great start, especially considering your seventh-place finish in the Tecnomeccanica Trophy as your first race. This is your second season in the category. How did 2023 go?
I hadn't competed a lot, but considering that out of 20 races I've collected 3 wins (including the regional championship in Emilia) and 12 top-10 finishes, I really can't complain. Furthermore, all the successes came at the end of the season, so let's say I continued on that path.But I'm used to always looking at the glass half empty, I prefer to focus on what didn't work out, on the victories that slipped away due to my mistakes, knowing how to recognize them is important if you want to grow.
How did you get to all this?
I started very early, in G1. A family friend got me into racing, realizing that cycling could be a great outlet for me. I raced with a team from Montebelluna among the beginners, and was already a student at Industrie Moro. As time went by, this sport got to me more and more. For the adrenaline it unleashes, for the speed, and above all because it truly is a team sport where the strength of the group counts more than individuality.
Which routes do you feel most comfortable on?
I'm a classic long-distance rider, but I also handle short climbs well, on undulating routes where selection is created. I'm good at bunch sprints, but I prefer it when there's a selection process and only a few people finish.
Are you also part of the new generation of cyclists who vary between one discipline and another?
No, I was born on the street and I've always continued that way. I have a mountain bike, but I only use it for fun, for some winter training on my ownI've never competed. I'm a bit old-fashioned in this regard...
What do you feel has changed compared to last year?
The end-of-season results have definitely given me a lot of confidence in my abilities. I feel more confident in racing, and I can move better. I have more courage in facing situations and I think about how to approach each race. The knowledge that I have a strong team at my side has a huge impact. We're not that small, we're 13 athletes in total, and our strength lies in our cooperation. We never look at other teams, but always try to give our best by following the instructions of our sports director Claudio. Blame.
Besides cycling, what are your passions?
Between training and school I don't have much free time, but I like football and I'm a Milan fan.
This is an important year for you, and you've started it off well. What are your plans?
My ambition isn't tied to a specific race, but to doing better in the ones I missed last year. I want to improve so I can also earn a chance at the national team. I've only been with the Italian team once, in training, but I never had the opportunity to wear the blue jersey and I never had the chance to race abroadThese are all experiences I want to have, as well as prove that I can compete in stage races.
Have you already faced any?
Last year, I raced the Giro del Veneto, finishing eighth among first-year riders, and before that, the Giro del Friuli, where I retired on the third stage. I've seen that I can compete in certain stages, but as for the general classification, I think I still have some room for improvement; it's not really my style.
And at the end of the year?
I hope that some U23 team knocks, so I can continue my dream, but I have to earn a chance and for this reason, getting into the national team would be a great calling cardI don't have any contacts yet, I hope they arrive as the season progresses.
Your go-to rider?
Actually I have two. The first is pogacar because he can really handle himself in every field, he is the most complete there is. The second is Milan, he's someone who gives it his all and then he's fast, very fast. I hope one day I can be at the same level…
