Edward Faresin is preparing to start his sixth season as an amateur and will do so, once again, wearing the jersey of OintmentHis is a weighty surname: his father, Gianni Faresin, was a professional rider and after he stopped racing he became sport director at Zalf.
Edoardo combined his running career with his scholastic careerFirst he graduated from the classical high school and then, just two weeks ago, graduated in Biomedical EngineeringIn a world where you finish your school career after graduation to focus on cycling, Edoardo's choice is singular, but courageousThere were many difficulties, so, once this journey was completed, we wanted to get to know the person beyond the cyclist.
First of all, Edoardo, congratulations on the goal you have achieved.
Thank you so much, it was difficult but really beautiful and satisfying.
Why did you decide to pursue this dual commitment?
I've always been good at school, so after middle school I enrolled in classical high school. After graduating, I decided to continue my studies. because cycling remains my dream, but I still wanted to keep a door open.
Why Biomedical Engineering?
After classical studies, I decided to move on to something more “practical”, while also remaining connected to the world of sport. Biomedical engineering would allow me to work with prosthetics and therefore help those who have had difficulties or serious injuries.I like the idea of being useful and making myself available to people.
It's rare to see a boy who runs in the Under-23s starting a university career. What were the pros of this decision?
I must say that this journey of mine has helped me in cycling and vice versa. The bike teaches you to work hard, to always give your all. When you're there with sore legs, you have to be mentally strong to not give up. I brought this mental strength into my studies. and it allowed me to continue even when I was unmotivated.
What were the difficult moments?
2020 was complicated for me, both from a sporting and university perspective. Having lost a year of racing due to the pandemic I think has compromised my chances of turning pro.
Did this also negatively affect your studies?
Yes, to study you have to be clear-minded, I wasn't at that time so I wasn't able to take the exams I had planned.
You've just finished your fifth year as an amateur. Do you think studying has slowed your growth as a cyclist?
Going to college and riding a competitive bike are two tough commitments. Studying takes a lot of your energy mentally, But university teaches you how to manage your time and this has allowed me to continue cycling at a good level..
What was your typical day like?
Training in the morning and studying in the afternoon. In winter it was easier to organize the days because there were no competitions and there was more free time.In the summer, however, I had more difficulties even with regards to organization.
Explain yourself better…
I really didn't have time to go and take the exams. I have postponed everything several times until the last available appeals., not a great move, but it was the only alternative.
Winning a race and graduating: how similar are the emotions?
A lot. When you win a race, all the moments that led up to it flash through your mind, like my last victory at the Coppa Collecchio (Scanferla photo at the top). When I was proclaimed doctor two weeks ago I must admit that the emotion was strong....
Plans for the future?
For now I'm stopping my studies, although I will keep my mind trained. I want to enjoy the first season where I can only think about the bike, becoming a professional cyclist is my dream and I want to try until the end.
Did having a father who was a former rider influence your career?
He didn't want me to ride a bike, more than a question of name for the discussion related to sacrificesHe knows how many sacrifices you have to make to stand out in this world…
So how did you start running?
My mom put me on a bike when I was six years old. The reason was that anyway Cycling teaches you discipline and organization as well as being a healthy sport.
A memory related to your father?
Always around 5-6 years old I saw him running on TV and to imitate him I took the bike and rode around the whole gardenWhen I finished my imaginary race I would climb onto a chair and pretend it was the podium.
Your father (Gianni Faresin) himself said that elite riders are important for a continental, we also talked about it with Zurlo, what do you think?
Zalf has always had this mentality: take young riders and accompany them in their human and professional growthThe experience of those of us who have been here the longest is important, running we can give a hand to sports directorsWe've already run many of the courses and know how to navigate this category. My willingness to help others will also be useful.
