Simone Piccolo, athlete of the Viris Vigevano born in 1997, races in the elite category, his surname is inextricably linked to cyclingDad Renato raced mountain bikes for many years, and his younger brother, Andrea, is in his first season as a pro in Astana.
How did you get into cycling? Did your father influence your choice?
No, definitely not. seeing him run ignited my passion, however, he never forced or encouraged me to approach this sport. The first experience in fact began with road cycling, it always fascinated me more than mountain biking. Then, as I grew up, I made many friends on my first team. Friends with whom I still have a great relationship today.
Do you remember the first race?
I attached the first number in the G3 category, with Velo Sport Abbiategrasso, my home team. I stayed with them until my second year of junior football, then I joined GB Union Castano.
What's your relationship with your father and brother like? Do you often exchange advice?
My father was able to direct me well, My fortune was having him by my side as I grew up.. It made me understand how it is a constant maturation process is more important than obtaining immediate resultsMy brother Andrea also started when he was little, we have always supported each other and compared notes, we often train together. This was a source of motivation, especially when we were at a standstill in 2020, training together at home made the lockdown seem less harsh.Having me as an example, he was lucky enough not to make the same mistakes as me. I don't compare us; we have our own times of growth and maturation.
You're doing really well this season, how are you feeling at Viris Vigevano?
Mine at Viris It's a return, I went under 23 with them in 2016, then due to a negative year due to injuries and personal situations I changed teams. Mine is a troubled story, since I turned under I've changed sides every yearThe first two for the same reasons. The following years because the teams didn't continue in the category. This return has given me renewed confidence.
What are your goals for the rest of 2021?
At the beginning of this year I ran a lot, my peak was May where I practically never left the podium in every race I've done. Now I'm on a bit of a downturn, but I'm not stopping racing. In the immediate future I'll race on July 10th in Biella, on the 13th at Città di Brescia, and on Sunday the 18th again in Biella. After that, I'm not sure which races I'll compete in.
Do you think this year could be the right one to make the jump to a higher category?
I think and hope so, I'm doing well and becoming pro is the real goal of the season. For better or for worse. Every year I have always felt improvements. This allowed me to always believe in myself and continue the growth processIf I hadn't had these sensations, I would hardly have continued cycling.
What if I don't get through?
If no offers from the pros arrive, I will end my career, but I have a feeling this is the year I'll get some answers, good or bad, we'll see.
What are your running skills?
I have a good quick idea, I don't win in bunch sprints but I love tough races, the ones where in the end I manage to pull off a breakthrough to secure the victory. I would define myself as an endurance rider, tenacious.
What kind of person are you outside of cycling? Do you have any particular hobbies?
I am calm but determined, I'm not a sedentary type, on the contrary, I love being on the moveWe have a boat in Sardinia, I go fishing or swimming, I like doing sea-related activitiesFishing calms me down and makes me feel at peace.
