When you look at the starters at a race or scroll through the finish orders, her name cannot go unnoticed. Azzurra Ballan is yet another daughter of an artist who is carving out space and consideration for herself through results in view of 2025.
It's true that we're among the students and there's no need to add pressure, but in a cycling world that evolves at the speed of light, it's sometimes worth getting to know some of these young stars better during their training. The Venetian class of 2008 of theUC Giorgione, in his second year in the category, three days ago in Grosseto obtained third place in the Italian time trial championship (starting with her father Alessandro) and last weekend she finished second in a photo finish in Puglia in the second round of the Italian Club Cup. Azzurra's season is getting into full swing, and she appears determined to circle the most important events in red.
View from dad Alessandro
Azzurra owes its name to a shirt – that of the national team – which his father Alessandro he was supposed to wear it in 2008 at the Beijing Olympics, before being excluded, and which he then glorified a few months later in Varese with that world-class run which still makes everyone wonder. In the meantime, Alessandro had managed to win the Andorra stage of the Vuelta, dedicating it to his daughter, born in early August. But these are memories that come back to the drawer, now there is Azzurra's present.
«Compared to when there waswe heard from you in March – explains Alessandro, referring to his appointment as president of Giorgione – Azzurra listens to me more now, even though I must say that I expected her to mature more quickly on a tactical level. He gets lost in nonsense (he says with a smile, ed.), like in Puglia where he took the last bend before the finish in last position and had to sprint back, losing by a hair's breadthHowever, I think it all helps us grow. He's taking defeats while keeping his spirits high and knowing that victory will come soon.
«Unlike the young Alessandro, Azzurra is more confident in approaching the raceIn any case, these are just parental suggestions. She knows she has to follow the instructions of our sports directors. She currently has several contacts to move up to the junior ranks, but he knows that he can afford to evaluate the proposals carefully given that the results and above all the performances are thereWe'll see later what he chooses."
Azzurra, we know you're a little shy, so let's break the ice. What are your strengths? What do you feel you're good at, and where do you feel you need to improve?
I think I'm a pretty complete cyclist. I like all types of races: from uphill races to sprints, to time trials. Maybe. the ones I prefer are the hardest ones, with high altitude differences, because I feel strong in managing fatigue and maintaining a steady pace. I actually love downhills too, because I like feeling the adrenaline rush as I tackle obstacles or curves. But I'm still very young and I don't fully know my limits and capabilities.
Aside from your father Alessandro, do you have any current athletes, male or female, who inspire you?
I take inspiration from many riders from whom I try to learn or apply their strategies in my races. I admire you very much Van Aert because it can win on all terrains, but I also like it a lot Mohoric, who I consider the most intelligent and skilled of the group. It's thanks to them that I find the motivation to continue giving my best.
Just a quick curiosity. Are there any former teammates or rivals of your father's you've seen online, know, or who have particularly impressed you?
Actually, no. I never got to know them personally.However, I greatly admire some riders who shared experiences with him and who left their mark on the world of sport.
You've been one of the top students in the country since last year. What's your method for staying competitive?
As I mentioned before, I try to give my all in every training session and every race, always trying to stay focused on pursuing my goals. And then I try to learn from all experiences, whether positive or negative..
Does starting a race among the favorites weigh on you or do you not think about it?
I can say that initially I felt oppressed by the weight of my surname and by being constantly monitored during the races, instead as time goes by and my placings increase I've realised that I can get great results despite this tight marking. And so now I don't pay attention to it anymore.
Did you expect to have such significant growth in recent years? And consequently, how much do you think about next season as a junior?
Honestly, no, considering how I started. Now I'm very happy with the results I'm achieving and confident about the future.
Off the bike, what are your studies and interests?
Apart from cycling, I don't have any major interests. I dedicate most of my time to training and studying. I am currently attending a hotel management school, a school that I am very passionate about. and which allows me to reconcile education and my passion
What are Azzurra Ballan's short- and medium-term goals?
To date My main goals remain to win this year's Italian road championship (July 6th in Capannori, ed.) and Pink Cup (on September 7th in Borgo Valsugana, ed.), a dream I've had for years.
