In the last three race weekends he has always pedaled at the top of the finishing ranks and when he sees the road going uphill he goes wild like his father did. Enrico Simoni is not only Gilberto's son, but a climber physically different from him, who is finishing the season with an incredible series of placings.
The solo victory at Piancavallo on September 7th places him right in the middle of the second places obtained first at Sandrigo-Monte Corno (replicating the same result of dad “Gibo” 35 years ago) and then at Orsago-Col Alt. The excellent form of the junior of theUs Montecorona he arrived a little late on the schedule due to unnerving physical problems, however Baby Simoni wants to make up for lost time. And it seems like he's succeeding, thanks in part to the advice of Simoni senior.
Enrico seen by Gibo
Climbing is a family affair in the Simoni household. Gilberto has built a career on it, including two Giro d'Italia victories, while Enrico is trying to make the most of his journey, even overcoming the "mountain" of his important surname.
«We can't make comparisons between him and me – Gibo points out – because we belong to very different cycling styles. Just as our physiognomy is different (Enrico is 1,78 meters tall and weighs 57 kilograms, Gilberto was 1,70 meters tall and weighs 59 kilos, ed.). His real strength is that he's not afraid to work hard, and in this he's very much like me. I don't know what his room for improvement is because sometimes I struggle to see it in those juniors who are really going strong. It might depend on how much he wants to continue playing this sport properly. The important thing is that he understands that cycling is not life, but an experience, as I always repeat..
«Now I see Enrico as serene – he continues – because before he felt the tension of being my son. He felt the weight of having to achieve results at all costsHis relatives and friends, even though they said it with kindness, burdened him with responsibility, and he unconsciously created expectations. I managed to calm him down and tell him not to think about it. He knows that I support him in everything and I know that he is trying very hard.. The difficulties are different."
Juniors and long-standing problems
Frankness has always been a precious quality of Gilberto Simoni and an assist on his son's future is enough for him to analyse the problems of the current category.
«It's true that I am part of MBH Bank Colpack Ballan – he says – and that someone might think I could let him pass there, but it's early. He still has to mature and think about finishing the season wellI don't set any limits; maybe a foreign team could even come along. Let's just say I'd like to avoid too many people getting involved in his transfer, like with everyone else in general.
"In juniors," concludes Gilberto Simoni, "everything is crazy, like in all other disciplines at that age. The sport is socially degraded. It is no longer done to help young people grow, but rather to finalize the interest of certain technicians or managersI see it in karting, skiing, and soccer. And the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) is the first body to allow it. Have you noticed that the average age of kids who stop playing sports has dropped? It's because they give in first to the disproportionate pressures of seeking results.I hope this trend changes quickly."
From one Simoni to another. Enrico, what kind of rider are you?
I am a climber who takes advantage of his lightness, even if I don't seek it on purpose. I feel good on long climbs and it is no coincidence that the best results came on those that lasted 30/40 minutes or even an hour.I'm improving my sprints and changes of pace. In fact, I built my victory at Piancavallo this way, playing to the best of my abilities, which are less my forte. I also won by managing my excessive eagerness to win a bit.. Also because it hadn't been an easy season up until now.
For what reason?
I spent a troubled winter with back pain and postural problems. It was an ordeal until MayIt was frustrating to see everyone else riding and getting results. I like to push myself to the limit, but I wasn't willing to endure that kind of suffering anymore. Then I solved this problem thanks to your article on Kevin Colleoni.
That?
I went back to the same osteopath's office, who literally fixed me by treating a pelvic rotation and abdominal swelling. I just need to fix the chewing problem which I will have next winter.
And so you are finally unblocked.
Exactly. From July onwards, I had a turning point. I found myself with more energy to spend and I no longer had to think about anything else.. Many good results have arrived, but above all a consistency of performance and efficiency. Now I just want to finish 2024 in this way. For example, on Saturday there is a hill climb organized by our company and I would like to do very well since we are racing in Palù on home roadsBut I'm also looking forward to an undulating race that will take place in Florence next week and is open to all types of riders. I'll think about it more next year..
Besides your father, is there an athlete you look up to?
It's true, I've always been inspired by him, but I tried to learn to run by watching his old videos and discussing them with him. Nowadays, however, I really like him. Enric Mas Nicolau e Joao almeida. Spanish for a mainly physical issue since I'm very similar to him. The Portuguese on the other hand for the way he races since he also tackles the climbs with great regularity. For the rest, I still have to understand who I am and where I can go.
