Davide Frigo is one of the protagonists of this start of the season in the junior category, the younger brother of Marco which we started to know after the victory at the Montes Cup has added another piece to its growth path. The Venetian, in his second year as a junior, also bagged the Giro del Friuli (Bolgan photo in the opening) and for him the call from the national team manager arrived Salvoldi for the next Nations Cup race: the Dino Baron GP.
“Actually,” he tells us as he heads towards Lake Le Bandie, “Salvoldi had called me to run the Peace Race, but an illness prevented me from leaving. I was sorry, but I'm happy and honored that the manager called me for this race.We left on Thursday (yesterday for those reading, ed.) and did a test run of the route. Tomorrow we will unload while on Saturday and Sunday we will race».
Wearing the blue
The first months of this second season in the junior category have made us appreciate the qualities of Davide Frigo, younger brother of Marco Frigo, professional with the Israel PremierTech. The two look very similar, Marco himself told us a month ago.But now, given the results and qualities he's demonstrated, it's time to meet Davide Frigo personally. Who is the young Venetian who is making himself known with his pedal strokes and who has entered the orbit of the national team??
"First of all," Davide Frigo explains, "I want to thank Dino Salvoldi for his trust. Being here with the national team is wonderful. I have always seen my brother and I must admit that even having them at home I never wanted to wear the national team clothes. Inside, I thought it was a "burden" and that I should have earned it. Now that I've been called up and that I'll be going racing in the blue jersey, I'm doubly happy."
Who will be your adventure companions at Baron?
Barutti, Magagnotti, Pedritti, Turconi and Rosato. I've met more or less everyone in the various races, especially Magagnotti and Rosato who are from my area (Davide Frigo lives in Bassano del Grappa, ed.). I've been running with these two since I was very young, practically. I don't know them very well, but we'll fix that in a few days.
The call-up to the national team comes after a really positive first half of the season…
I had already achieved excellent results in the first races, then came the victory at the Coppa Montes, an international race. I think that success turned the season around a bit, so much so that Salvoldi called me up to the national team.He told me he liked the way I rode at the Piccola Liegi delle Bregonze, I broke away and attacked often. The rider was on his motorbike that day, following the race from within, and he was impressed by my fighting spirit.
Is this your way of running?
Let's say yes. Also because I'm stuck in sprints, so if I want to try to do something I have to move early and try to detach everyone.
Something you managed at the Coppa Montes, but how did it go at the Giro del Friuli?
Since it was a stage race, the process was a little different. I never finished alone, but I managed to stay ahead in all three stagesDuring the initial time trial I defended myself well. However, in the most difficult stage, the third, I stayed with Gagliardoni Projects and Frizzi but they were behind me in the general classification.
How do you feel better than last year?
I think I've matured a lot, both physically and mentally. I had already noticed an improvement in 2024, but my priority was to help the team and my older teammates. I wasn't looking for personal results, while this year I changed my mentality a bit since I moved up to the second year of juniorsI started out with the idea of finishing it, and I'm succeeding, even with a bit of luck.
What does wearing the national team jersey mean to you?
It's an honor. I'll try to show up and honor her as best I can by working hard for the team. Even when you race with such a prestigious jersey, the important thing is to think about the teamWe'll try to have some good races, but I think Sunday's is the most suitable.
Why?
It suits my characteristics, it's really tough. I'm a rider who's good on climbs and has a good pace on the flats.
And did your brother give you any advice before this important debut?
He always gives me a lot. We have a great relationship and he suggests things to me. even small things that, put together, help me understand a lot about cycling and make me grow. Perhaps the advice I remember most is to eat a lot to fill the leg (smiles, ed.).
What kind of guy is Davide Frigo off the bike?
I'm a pretty quiet person, I don't like going to parties a lot or being where there are lots of people. I have few friends but I consider them valid precisely for this reasonWhen I'm not cycling, I still enjoy watching various sports. My family is passionate about motorsports.
Do you and your brother really have similar characteristics on the bike or is there something that makes you different?
Now I'm lighter than him, so I think I'm a better climber. It's also true that I haven't stopped growing yetMaybe in the future I'll become a long-distance rider like Marco. In real life, I think he's a little more stubborn, he can do things on his own, while I get help from someone. When I need, I often ask my dadFor us, family comes first, we are very close.
