Sunday was a whirlwind of Under-23 races around Italy. Among the winners, Giosuè stands out. Epis, at his first victory in the category, on the strength of Carnovali Rime Sias, awarded the Porta di Monferrato Trophy In Fubine. The success of the San Paolo (BS) rider is particularly significant, or at least that's how the young Lombard experienced it, and the reasons go beyond purely competitive aspects.
Joshua is the brother of Silvia Epis, former cyclist who joined the team last year Federation, as Technical Director of the national youth sector. It's clear that such a close relationship can be uncomfortable, and Giosuè doesn't hide it.
«It is known that the cycling environment is also made up of chatter – he says – and I've always heard behind my back a lot of people who talk too much, who criticize, who think I'm a recommended person. Without even looking at the results. However, I have learned not to care because I know what I am worth."
After all, the best way to answer is on the road, and one of the hallmarks of your career so far is the extraordinary consistency of your results: you haven't dropped out of the Top 10 since last September...
It's true, I think it comes from the fact that I'm naturally inclined to always try, no matter the race or the route. The latter also has a big influence: usually, races for under-23s are always quite rough, and I really like them. They say I'm a sprinter, but I don't feel like one, or at least not to the point of being able to win bunch sprints, I always have to invent something., but I know that I stand out above all on routes with not too long climbs.
You're in your second year as an Under 23: how was your approach to the new category?
The first year is always difficult. In fact, the results weren't there at first, but that didn't make me worry. The paths and relationships had changed, and it takes a period of adjustment. But then things started to get better and better. At the end of the season, I had set myself the goal of winning as soon as the calendar resumed. Goal achieved…
Do you have track experience?
I attended her until two years ago, I also finished 6th at the European Track Championships in Fiorenzuola d'Adda in 2020, in the scratch. But then I decided to put it aside because I feel like a 100 percent road racer and I want to focus on it.
Are you sure there was no pressure from the company?
No, it was my decision, mainly due to the fact that I'm not fast enough to emerge even on the trackLet's get back to the previous discussion. It can still be useful in training. The club gave me freedom of choice, right from the start.
How do you feel about stage trials?
Last year I played theAdriatica Ionica Race finishing 50th and the Tour of Friuli. From what I've seen, stage races suit me quite well, because every day I feel that my legs are getting better and better., but I also see this in the races as the season progresses.
What goals have you set for yourself this year?
I've already gotten the first one and now I'm much more relaxed. I would definitely like to do the U23 Giro to test myself in a long stage race, to check my endurance., then overall I would like to continue to grow to attract the attention of some professional clubs.
Is professionalism an obsession for you?
Let's say it's a goal, one that can be achieved if you put in the effort. I quit football to devote myself wholeheartedly to cycling, I've limited my outings with friends to a minimum, and I even chose an online university (she studies business and sports management, ed.) so I can focus on training during the day and dedicate the afternoons to studying. In my opinion, you need to have a professional and respectful attitude right from the first approach to this discipline and I have it..
What is your relationship with the bike?
I've never been a simple "pedaler", even though I've been on a bike since I was 4 years old and I don't even remember using training wheels... I am very attentive to the sensations that the bike transmits to me and when it needs fixing I don't leave it alone in the hands of the mechanicI interact with him, I follow his work and so I learned something.
Is there a rider who inspires you?
Looking at the way he runs, I've always liked Sonny ColbrelliI try to be like him. I wish I could achieve half of what he's achieved...
