In the Italian team present at the European Championships and competing in the men's junior event there is also Thomas BernardiA call-up, his, reached right at the last minute, earned on the field on Sunday by winning the Olgiate-Ghisallo, yet another highlight of a truly commendable summer for the standard-bearer of the Team F.lli GiorgiPacking his bags for the European trip, Bernardi takes stock of his situation, considering this trip to be a turning point in his still young career.
«I started quite early, from G6 – he says – following in my brother's footsteps and giving up football. I made this change because I saw him running, having fun, and I wanted to imitate him. My brother's coach told me to try it too, and I'm glad I did."
How was Sunday's race?
In the flat laps there was a breakaway of three athletes including our Giacomo Agostino. So we were in a good position because he's a strong rider. At the start of the last climb we caught them and then I got into my rhythm and arrived alone.
Since July 13th, you've finished in the top 10 with three wins, and you've only finished outside the top 10 once at Paganessi. What's the reason for this turnaround?
Before July, I've never been able to train regularlyI had mononucleosis this winter, then I broke my hand in Massa and so I've never been able to train consistently. Since the beginning of June I found some peace by following my trainer Dario Giovine's programs to the letter. and I have to say that I'm improving day by day.
Of the three victories you've achieved, which one do you hold most dear, which one best reflects your characteristics?
I would say the Loria GP, because that is after everything I've been through it was truly a rebirth, emerging with strength in the finale until crossing the finish line with arms raised. It was the one where I was most satisfied with myself.
Did you expect to be called up for the European Championships?
I knew it might be in the works. Leone (the sports director) Malaga, ed.) he had told me before Buffoni that if I had done well there too, there would have been this opportunity. I came in second there, I didn't win, in fact I was a bit disappointed because I really believed in it and I was afraid it hadn't been enough. But then I realized that second place wasn't bad. And I think what I'd done before and the Ghisallo victory were the events that decided the outcome in my favor.
So before the Ghisallo you didn't know if you'd be called up...
No, following the race there was a member of the national team on a motorbike and afterwards he came to tell me that he was reporting everything to Salvoldi And from there I knew I was going to France. It was really exciting, a great feeling because it's an important race and we have to honor this opportunity.
What do you know about the race, about the route?
It's a tough course because there are two long climbs and then some shorter ones. Compared to the World Championships, the climbs here are longer. In Kigali maybe it was a bit more sprinter-oriented, but here the pace pays off more and that's fine with me because I prefer the pace to the change of pace.But the season won't end in France. We'll have the San Paolo d'Argon event, which the club holds very dear because it's just five minutes from the headquarters and takes place on the same hill we use for all our winter training. Then we'll have the Italian team time trial.
You're changing categories at the end of the year. Do you already have contacts?
To tell the truth I have already signed with the Caja Rural Under 23, which is a Spanish team.
How did you come across them and why did you choose them?
There was this opportunity provided by my agency GL Promotion and they told me that there was this Spanish team that was interested in me. Then I spoke directly with them and they satisfied me in everything, they offer me everything I need and so I think it's the best thing to do.
Will you make a more Spanish or more Italian calendar?
They told me we'll talk about it in December, at the first training camp, but there are many international races there, and in Italy they already have an invitation for the Giro della Valle d'Aosta. Then we'll see, for now I know I'll be the only Italian. It'll be a really great adventure... I see it a bit like the reward for my perseverance even in a season that had started off really difficult and it went on like this until the summer, but then I managed to transform it. European Championships, blue jersey, international prospects: what more could I want?
