In this period we have mentioned more than once how even the continental and the bigger U23 teams often go hunting for victories in the regional competitions. And this is partly what happened at San Sabino Trophy in Canosa di Puglia, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani.
Let's be clear: we're not here to point fingers at anyone; on the contrary, it's nice that there are competitions for the entire nation. The rules don't prevent these teams from participating. If anything, the calendar system needs to be reviewed, as we Cazzaniga said.
We're simply "photographing" one aspect of our most advanced youth sector, the amateur U23s. We're photographing what happens in reality, despite the theories being touted about activities abroad, stage races...
U23 Heritage
But let's go to Canosa di Puglia. Why teams like Delio Gallina Ecotek, Mg.K Vis Colors For Peace o Campana Imballaggi Geo&Tex Trentino did they get all the way there?
«The Coppa San Sabino has been running for 71 editions – he says proudly Cosimo Patruno, son of the organizer Sabino – My family has been organizing this event for many years. It is now a heritage of Italian under-23 cycling. It's kind of our baby! We have an oil company, and whatever we save, including my father's pension, goes toward this race. My dad rang the bell for the final lap at the first edition. He was six years old. Just to give you an idea of what this race means for us and for Canosa."
«Why the teams from the North come to us: because it is a tradition that we try to carry forward – continues Patruno – We understand the long journey involved, and so we offer food, lodging, and even a small travel expense allowance. We have few riders here in the South and the teams from the North reward us with their presence. We pamper them, but we don't even put the Southern teams in the second tier».
"From the Marche region down, we've always had teams. That's also why I can assure you that our race, even though it's a regional one, costs the same as an international one. And I'm a judge, I travel a lot, so I know the costs."
Cesare Turchetti with his Delio Gallina players. His team placed three of their players in the top ten. Tsarenko won ahead of Lorenzo Cataldo and Francesco Carollo
Cesare Turchetti with his Delio Gallina players. His team placed three of their players in the top ten. Tsarenko won ahead of Lorenzo Cataldo and Francesco Carollo
Victory Goal
Patruno admits that when the teams call to participate, they want to win. But it's not, at least in some cases, a "thirst for victory."
«Now – he says Cesare Turchetti Sports director and manager of the Delio Gallina team from Brescia – I've been attending the Coppa San Sabino for 15 years. I've developed a friendship with Patruno, and I'll be returning to Puglia again in September for the Coppa di Ceglie Messapica and Polignano triptych.
«It's true that we went to the South, but not because we had this thirst for victory. This year, we got them. They provide room and board and a small reimbursement, but believe me, to undertake a trip like this, with nine people (six riders and three companions), you have to put up money. This is to say that we didn't get there because they paid us or to snag prizes and take home €3.000.
«The guys who are at the Coppa San Sabino are 80 percent the same ones who more or less compete every Sunday, therefore Winning isn't even that obvious. Tsarenko didn't win by any means."
"By now," Paturno continues, "the teams are familiar with this 14-kilometer circuit, with a climb at the beginning and then a slight slope downhill and then uphill. They usually bring riders with a lot of pace, but also riders who can hold their own on the climbs. In the recent past, athletes like Muskets, Riabushenko… E Vlasov he made eighth."
Patruno mentioned teams from the Marche region and south, but this year they came from even further afield. There were about twenty teams at the start, and the demand would have been even higher, especially since there were no other races that Sunday.
"But we also didn't want to turn our backs on the teams from the South who have supported us over the years," the organizer continues. "For example, there were some who came to run alone. They knew the stage was there and wanted to be there.
«We asked him: “Who are you coming with?” The boy replied, “With my father.” Well, we also hosted the father. who accompanied him. In total, we hosted over 220 people in various hotels, and it wasn't easy. That's why I said before that the Coppa San Sabino costs a lot! Not to mention the cost of the prizes. The winner's medal was worth 800 euros, for example..."
Opportunity for the South
But returning to the topic of regional races, the issue of a small race attracting big teams can also be interpreted the other way around. Especially since this one was in the South.
It could be an opportunity for riders from the South to compete with their colleagues from the North, to race at a higher level.
«True – says Patruno – it's an important opportunity for them too. I think winning "in your own backyard" doesn't bring satisfaction, but placing in the top ten behind the best athletes and on an important stage allows you to aspire to something more. It's like at Tour of Italy with the professional riders who meet up with the WorldTour. A race like the Coppa San Sabino should be a stimulus for the young riders from the South, almost a "training camp."
«And if it hadn't been a regional competition, individual participation wouldn't have been possible».
Commitment and passion are the watchwords. Events like this, Patruno is right, are a heritage of Italian amateur cycling and must be protected, especially in those latitudes.
Audience participation is good. There's curiosity, and it's an experience for young people from the North, too.
«Giving young people from the South a chance: this is also an incentive for us. Maybe a boy shows off, goes on the run, gets a good placing and can find a team from the North... And the following year he can return to the Coppa San Sabino and win it."
