From the team Technipes#InEmiliaRomagna many stories begin and inevitably they all intertwine, as in the best novels. Two of these, however, particularly captivated us: those of Alessandro Monaco and Andrea Innocenti. Different plots that however share the same goal, that of redemption. Or at least try to. Monaco restarts after a season finale that saw him undergo surgery on his iliac artery. Innocenti, instead, we recently talked to you about it in two different ways.
Both riders, when we met them, they said they arrived in this team thanks to the relationship with Davide CassaniThe former coach had the opportunity to see the two boys grow from the youth categories, before the vicissitudes of both took the upper hand.
Cassani's eye on Monaco
Cassani answers the phone mid-morning, his words coming out carefully. The former coach knows the weight of it and always waits a few moments before answering.
«Monaco – he says Cassani - he expressed his opinion widely willingness to try againFrom the moment he noticed the problem with his leg, he said he was willing to do whatever it took to get back to the top level. I've known him for several years, since he was a junior and was one of the best, I'd say among the best in Italy. He was also among the professionals for two yearsI know little about that period, but I feel like saying that sometimes haste leads to discarding certain elements when it would be enough to wait a little. His figure within the team will be important, he will be one of the greatest, if not the largestThe calendar that awaits us, with many races abroad, leads us to rely on guys with his experience."
And then on Innocenti
For Innocenti, the discussion is different, but it always starts from the same point: motivation. And Andrea, from what he said and the impression he left even upon his return, seems to have plenty of it.
"Innocenti's arrival," Cassani continued, "is linked to the fact that I believe he's a rider with remarkable numbers. I don't want to get into the merits of the matter, but a boy so young who during a 4 year stop reacts in this way deserves attentionHe's always trained trying to get back to being competitive and he's succeeded. You have to stick with certain guys and I'm happy we got him. The break is long but we are talking about a boy born in 1999, he is young and deserves to have an opportunity."
The human side
We've gotten to know Cassani well; he's someone who cares deeply about the human aspect. Monaco and Innocenti know this, and part of this opportunity lies precisely in that aspect.
«Both – he concludes – they continued their studiesI think it's a fundamental aspect of life that can accompany and support athletic activity. The era of riders with blinkers is over; we must always be aware of what's happening in the world. I'm glad that both of them have decided to focus a lot on education in their free time too., without getting lost in something less important. Human growth must go hand in hand with athletic growth."
Coppolillo speaks
The discussion now also passes through the words and vision of the sports directors. Let's talk to Michael Coppolillo who saw both boys And, together with Cassani, he decided to give them this opportunity. Let's have him tell us what he noticed.
«When I had the interview with Monaco – says “Coppo” – I was clear from the start and he was clear with me: he's not here to do another year and see, try… He's here to give his all and do well. Age is a factor, but it's not "disabling." I also turned pro at 24. And I played my ten seasons with the team. The injury and subsequent surgery were not trivial, but the initial impressions we've received are positive. Lo staff of our team is of a high level and this will be a determining factor in helping him get back to 100 percentHe's a very determined guy, after all, you don't do this at 25 if you don't really believe in what you're doing.
«Di Innocenti – he continues with verve – I had a great impression during our interviewThe thing that struck me most is that he never stopped in these 4 years, it's not a trivial thing, it takes motivation and a lot of hunger. I've known him since he was a junior because at the time I was the sports director in a team of that category and I saw him oftenHe's always had the talent. Maybe he'll struggle at first, especially the first few months, but then he'll have to get back to normal. The same goes for him, like in Monaco: if you're here, it's because you have to give it your all. Innocenti, I think it will be a nice surprise, I hope so and I wouldn't be here if I didn't truly believe it."
