ZURICH – The junior time trial has already produced some interesting results, the first is the victory of the French Paul SeixasThis is accompanied by the subdued performance of reigning road world champion Albert Philipsen. The Dane is 25 seconds behind the winner And while everyone else is filing through the mixed zone overlooking the Zurich Opera House, he passes by without stopping. UCI officials say he wasn't feeling well after the finish, the feeling when seeing him pass by is that he is dazed and a little surprised, negatively, from his performance.
Blue voices
The Azzurri pedal slowly through the corridor that houses television and media. Andrea Donati passes by, and as he recounts his performance, his disappointment is palpable. He was hoping for something more. The numbers were good but to stand out in a world championship you need an extraordinary performance.
"It was a very tough time trial," he says. "I'm exhausted. I really gave it my all, even though I wasn't in the best condition. My performance wasn't bad, in terms of data and numbers; they reflect an average day. I'm the Italian who has done the most time trials this year, I've run six.. At this level perhaps the only one was at Peace RaceBoth the one in Zurich and the one in the Czech Republic were good comparisons, also with a view to the future."
Lorenzo Finn, on the other hand, is satisfied with what has been done.He stops, watches the arrival of his direct competitors and slowly reels off all his feelings.
«I'm satisfied with my performance – explains the Italian – it was the best time trial of my life both in terms of sensations and values. I couldn't give more and still seeing that I came within a second of the top 5On this type of route, I'm satisfied. It was difficult to think I could win, but if I think about the road race, I feel really good. congratulations go to Seixas, he did a superb time trial and a monstrous performance."
Everything fits together
The path of Lorenzo Finn and the junior national team towards the world championship Zurich It started in August with a high altitude training camp in LivignoThen we moved on to Tour of Lunigiana and the European Championship. All targeted steps to arrive in the best possible condition for the world championship race.
«Certainly – says Finn – the European title was very useful, both in the time trial and in the road race. It was an important test in view of the World CupThe fact that today I was faster than in Hasselt gives me hope. The withdrawal in Livigno was made in view of the World Championships in Zurich, this was supposed to be the time when the work at altitude would bear fruitFrom how I feel, I'd say there is trust. Even last week, during training, I made my best values, so I'm happy."
Another attitude
If we take a step back, returning to the continental test, one cannot help but think of the words of the city SalvoldiThe coach judged the performance of the junior team negatively, he expected something more from them, especially from the point of view of courage.
"On the road," Finn continues, "I tried to help my teammates because I didn't want to take too many risks. I made myself available on the flat, before the cobbled section, then I withdrew. I think Salvoldi was right in criticizing our attitude in a negative way.We didn't run very well, but we'll make up for it on Thursday."
«Now – he continues – we need to rest and recover well from the effort. We will review the route on Wednesday (The track will be closed from 8:00 to 10:00, ed.) We came to check it out in June, so a refresh will definitely do us some good. From the last climb to the finish line there will be about fifteen kilometers, it will be an effort very similar to a time trial."
The other
The junior time trial ranking reads a podium with a strong Belgian tinge, with the top step in the hands of the rider who, at the moment, seems to be the favourite: Paul SeixasAlbert Philipsen's sixth place is surprising, but it doesn't take away from everyone's minds that the Dane will be a protagonist on the road. His opponents fear him and speak well of him., with the fear you reserve for someone who could hurt you at any moment. Even Finn doesn't take him off the list of favorites.
«I averaged 53 – concludes Finn – so I don't think that Philipsen he went slowly, since he beat me to the finish line by a second. He was certainly the favourite and seeing him out of the podium is shocking, but let's not get our hopes up.After today's time trial, I think Seixas is the name for the road race, but we need to be patient for a few more days. We'll see on Thursday."
