We intercept Omar El Gouzi while he is up high, on the Foscagno pass, preparing for the second part of the season. A cracking start to the season for the Peschiera del Garda native., who has achieved numerous placings in these first months of racing. Let's get to know the twenty-one year old rider together. Iseo Serrature – Rime – Carnovali.
Let's start from afar: you were born in Peschiera del Garda, but your last name isn't Italian...
My parents are of Moroccan origins, more precisely from Agadir, they came to Italy, on the shores of Lake Garda, 25 years ago.
How attached are you to your origins?
A lot. I've gone to Morocco often with my parents, although I haven't been able to return since 2013. The reason is related to cycling; my family has always returned in the summer or winter, but during that time, I'm either in peak season or in the midst of training. I plan to return, however. What I love most about Morocco is the warmth you can feel in the streets.
Speaking of cycling, how did you get into the world of pedals?
As a child nIn my building where I lived there was a child who rode a bike and that vehicle immediately fascinated me., then I asked my parents to try. I started racing with the last race of the season with the G1 and I immediately fell to baptize myself as best as possible (laughs). I raced up to the Junior category for theAusonia Pescantina, the team behind my house, for me cycling has always been fun.
When did you realize it could become something more?
In my first year as a junior, when I was the best young rider in both the Giro del Veneto and the Giro della BasilicataI always thought first about having fun and studying, I studied agriculture in San Floriano at the Stefani-Bentegodi institute.
It's been a busy first part of the season. Can you tell us a little about it?
Yes, I've been running a lot these past few months, This is also why I came to the mountains, to recharge my batteriesI ran the most races in June, I ran: Giro Under23, where I finished ninth in the overall standings, the Italian championship, where I finished seventh and then Giro dell'Appennino and GP of Lugano.
What are your goals for the second half of the season? And for the future?
I will definitely attend the tour of the Aosta Valley which will be held from 16th to 18th, then immediately after I will run at home the Recioto Palio which I care a lot about. The future is uncertain at the moment, I'm definitely aiming to continue like this to attract the attention of professional teams and make the leap, I hope it's a good year.
What kind of rider do you feel you are?
I'm a climber, and considering my weight and height (58 kilos, 181 centimetres), I'm also strong on the flat. Even when the weather is bad, windy and rainy, I manage well., this characteristic is fundamental for a rider and I consider it one of my strong points.
To conclude, and to get to know you better, tell us who you are outside of cycling. What do you like to do in your free time?
I consider myself a sunny and calm guy, I get along well with everyone and others get along well with me, I don't like to stand still, you can tell. When I have free time, I like to spend it with my friends. They're all old friends of mine from Ausonia, and I've kept good relations with them. I like going out to eat with them, especially a good ice cream.
