The Eroica Juniores he crowned Mattia Proietti Gagliardoni and looking back at his race, that of his companions and opponents, considering that the test was carried out on Saturday just before the stage of the Giro d'Italia, one is led to think that perhaps some indication, the various professional teams present could also have drawn itBecause it was immediately clear that it wasn't an easy race, paradoxically precisely because of the good weather.
This is also evident from the winner's story: "I had already done it last year and I remembered most of the route. I knew it was one of the toughest, most technical races with a significant difference in altitude, and then with that leg-breaking final climb... In the first part I struggled, but With the team we had established that I had to always stay in the top positions in order to run as few risks as possible. And there were real risks…».
What was the ground like? Many complained the next day that it was even more slippery because there was no water…
It's true and we guys realized it already from the rehearsals the day before. For this reason we had decided to race at the head, to try to avoid too much dust being raised and especially the layers of gravel on the trackThey told us that it was much more slippery than in March because the track had been worked and cleaned less, but that was part of the game.
When was the race decided?
Immediately after the descent from Montalcino, when the three foreign riders who had broken away were caught. I tried to start with only the Matthew Turconi who kept my pace, there were less than 20 kilometers to go. But on one bend the gravel played a nasty trick on him and he fell, so I found myself alone.I managed the final part very well, I knew it was essential to stay standing.
How important was your experience in cyclocross?
A lot, I think it really made a difference. It helped me even more than last year, because the dirt roads were dustier and more slippery, with more potholes and dips. Driving was essential, you had to know how to float on the gravel, not put too much pressure, choose the right trajectories and relaunch. So much so that when I exited every corner I gained a lot.
What technical choices did you make?
Nothing in particular. The reconnaissance the day before convinced us to keep the usual setup of the bike, so with the 52-39 in front and the 34-11 in the back.For the tires, however, we chose 28 mm tubeless tires to be on the safe side. In fact, during the race I saw that almost everyone had made the same choice, in fact some had even opted for 30 mm ones. It was the only way to minimize the risk of punctures.
And what about nutrition?
Compared to usual, I always brought a water bottle and a carbohydrate bottle with me, but I had one more gel than I usually carry. The problem, besides the terrain, was the heat, which was really strong at the beginning. I don't love it, I never have, and in fact, I was sweating profusely at first, but then my body adapted. The temperature settled around 21°C, which was comfortable, and I didn't feel it when I did my lunge.
Is this a race that suits you?
I had definitely had my eye on it last year and I won't deny that I'd been eyeing it since this winter. So much so that on the eve I felt a bit like the favourite or one of them, I knew I could play an important role and I have to say thank you to team Because he believed in my abilities and supported me as best he could. It was an important experience beyond the victory, and I hope to compete in a much more important context...
A good viaticum for the summer…
Yes, also because I have some important events coming up, first of all the two-day race in Franciacorta this weekend, then the Giro del Friuli and the FWR Baron, which I'll be racing with the national team. I hope to continue on this path and make myself more visible, as I really want to convince the manager to call me up for the European and World Championships. where I know I can do really well.
