In the junior season one of the great protagonists was Jarno WidarIt's true, he's not a world or European champion, and yet with his 14 international successes he was able to put his mark on the vintage at least as much as people like the world champion Philipsen, to quote the one on everyone's lips. We also admired the Belgian in Italy, winning at the Paganessi Trophy after being outwitted the day before by Donati and scoring an extraordinary opening brace at Tour of Lunigiana.
Widar had a particularly brilliant second half of the season, which attracted the attention of the media, especially in Belgium where the growth of similar talents seems to have become a habit since Evenepoel and each of them is necessarily compared to the time trial world champion. Widar, however, is well aware of his value and does not like comparisons.Let's try to get to know him a little better, because we'll be hearing about him for a long time to come.
How did you get started cycling?
It's been a long time. I followed in my brother's footsteps, who returned to racing this year. I continued competing while also attending school. The fact that I finished last year made things a lot easier for me this season.
What kind of rider are you, what are your favorite routes?
I don't have a specific route that I like best. I'm good at both short climbs and long climbs. I always try to adapt to the type of race I'm facing.
This year you've achieved 14 international victories. Which was the most important for you?
It's really hard to choose, I really don't know because each one had its own value. I could say Flanders as well as the national championship, the Classique des Alpes in France, each one gave me something moreI loved the Italian races, Lunigiana was fantastic.
You've raced a lot in Italy this year. Do you like Italian cycling and the routes here?
A lot, because there's so much variety. I love riding there; there's always that atmosphere that gives you something extra. When I'm in Italy, I feel happy.
You were one of the stars of the junior season, but without great results at the World Championships or European Championships: what happened?
In Glasgow I had a lot of bad luck on the first lap, someone right in my group zone hit me and my gear shifting didn't work anymore, so I had to change bikes, but the one on the team car didn't work either, so I had to stop again, by now I had lost over 4 minutes and my race was over. I tried to climb back up, I got to within about a minute of the group, but the strongest had already started their battle, continuing made no sense.It was a golden opportunity; I felt I had great legs, and I was very disappointed. I also had great legs at the European Championships, but I lapped the Vamberg around 40th place, so I couldn't sprint for the win. I was coming from too far away.
Your team is closely connected to the Lotto Dstny, now you'll be joining the Development team. How important is it to be guided towards professionalism from a young age?
I don't think it's that important because there are so many Devo teams, the choice in cycling today is wide and there are many ways to emerge. Every big team has a predefined supply chain, so it's not so sensational anymore, it's more normalWhat matters is being efficient enough to end up in the sights of some major team, then the path is paved by the younger generations. For me, that's how it was.
Many people are now calling you the new Remco Evenepoel. Does that make you happy or does it put too much pressure on you?
I was expecting this question… To be honest, I don't care. That's what people say, but I don't like comparisons, I look at myself. and the my team who follows me as best as they can. I follow my own path, so I don't feel any pressure around me; these comparisons don't mean much.
But what do you think are the elements in common with Remco and the different ones?
I think we have the same characteristics on the climbs, but he is much stronger than me in the time trial.Perhaps what unites us is the fact that to win, it's better if we arrive alone...
Now you're moving up a category: what changes for you and how long do you think you'll stay among the under-23s?
I think I'll do a year, if all goes well at the end of 2024 I'll pass, but it's difficult to make predictions, maybe one fall is enough and the whole season is compromised. We'll see how it goes, if that happens, staying on the Devo team wouldn't be a failure. I don't want to burden myself with too many expectations.
What target have you set for next season?
I don't look at the calendar too much, whatever the team offers me will be fine. However, I think that already in my first year among the under 23s I can find the right races to win, it will all depend on me.
Do you have a dream for your future?
The dream… It's precisely dreams that keep you going, that push you to always do better. I know it may seem obvious, but it's what all cyclists have when they begin this great adventure: one day being on the Champs Elysées wearing the yellow jersey of the Tour...
