Sulla new resolution There has been much discussion about the Piedmont Regional Council and much more has been said"We want to protect our clubs," said Massimo Rosso, President of the Piedmont Regional Committee, "so we've decided that only young people who race in the region will be called up to play in regional teams."
Maintain the internal basin
To leave nothing to chance and to delve into a topic that needs to be discussed in a constructive manner, to bring to light issues that only those who work closely with this world can see, we also consulted the Regional Technician, Francesco Giuliani.
"This is a resolution aimed at preserving our pool of athletes," he explains, "by placing a burden on the young people who leave the region. I am a technician and I have to adapt, I have the task of carrying out activities and helping the remaining boys grow.With the ever-present hope of achieving some results. When I was asked for my opinion on this resolution, I said it was an important decision, but at the same time the right one. It's a double-edged sword because some of the boys who left (about ten, ed.) were eligible to be called up to the regional team.».
Now roll up your sleeves
To make it clear that what has matured within the Regional Council It is not a rule of spite, but of protection of human and sporting heritage, we must move in a certain way. With the awareness that you can't please everyone, but with the conviction that you are on the right path.
«I have requested – continues Francesco Giuliani – to expand the activities we do with the representative team. The goal is to create a synergy between us and the companies, we will expand the staff by adding the figure of a trainerHe will be responsible for monitoring the athletes to get them into a certain condition for the main events. This is an investment by the Regional Committee aimed at supporting clubs, as not all of them have, or can afford, a trainer. Such a figure will help the kids to grow and train as best as possible, also teaching them something new».
More level activities
To "convince" young people to stay, you need to demonstrate that the activities offered in the Region are as good, if not superior, to those available outside. The goal shouldn't be to retaliate against those who leave; on the contrary, We need to open the eyes of young people by showing them that even by staying at home they can have a valid and continuous growth path..
«In 2023 – says the coach – we want to expand the regional team's activity calendar. One of the goals is to take the kids to race abroad and give them experience. To give an example: we have been going to the “Classique des Alpes”: a one-day race that takes place on the first weekend in June. It's a race UCI and is organised by the same team as the Dauphiné champs, ASOLast year Jumbo saw Mattio right in this race, do you understand where we want to get to?
«We want to give more prominence to our children, we do everything for their good. I also recently sent a request to participate in two stage races of 4 days each: one is the Vuelta Besaya, in Spain. The other, however, is in the north of France, the Tour de l'Eure. We want to create a catchment area for the kids, the group we will work with will be similar to that of the national teamA group of athletes who will compete for the chance to represent Piedmont at the events we will participate in."
The “collegiate students”
When talking to Giuliani, sometimes you almost have to hold him back. He has so much to say, but our pen isn't as fast as his words.
«They will be done – he continues quickly – also of the collegial ones, that is, of the monthly retreats with the boysThe boys will undergo tests and we will try to create synergy between them, it must be considered that they are riders who play for opposing teams. To create the right harmony at the regional representative meetings, we must teach them to stay together and collaborate., and first of all, getting to know each other. The first training camp of 2023 is scheduled for February, with an initial selection process open to more students. We'll have a day dedicated to training. We want to give them some basic knowledge about the rules and roles involved in the race: from the race judge to the jury..
«He will also participate John Ellena, and we'd also like to bring a professional rider to create greater synergy between the competitive and youth worlds. These events aren't just for young people making their way. This summer, we want to open the camps to mountain bikers, led by regional coach Lorenzo Piotti. In recent years we have seen how the most complete athletes on the world scene are competing on multiple terrains, learning from the various disciplines."
The economic discourse
As the boys move to other regions, they'll be expected to pay points, a little extra money for the Committee, but that's not what makes the difference.
«The Committee takes a portion of the money that comes from the payment of scores "— Giuliani replies—"and he turns it around to support the business, but we're talking about a few thousand euros. Most of the support comes from memberships and student registrations. The activity we want to do is of a high level and will require a greater investment, I explained this to the Committee and now the ball is in the political figures' court (he says with a laugh, ed.).
«It is clear, however, that if the objective is growth, investments must be made. For the races abroad I'm negotiating for food and accommodation, the Classique des Alpes already pays for it but it's a one-day raceFor the races in France and Spain, we'll see what we can do. It might even be that the costs will be higher the first year we go. Then, if the organizers see that it brings good riders and prestige, we can try to reach an agreement.
Sense of belonging
“Belonging” is a word Giuliani uses often, and asking him what he means by it opens a door worth opening.
«We need to give the right importance and prestige to the Regional Representative jersey. It may seem like simple parochialism but it is not, it is about protecting the territory and the companies that operate hereWe need to strengthen our business for our kids; they shouldn't think they have to move somewhere to keep riding. To grow our business, we've been forced to make certain decisions that obviously won't please those who have to endure them.
«I am convinced that by creating a sense of regional belonging we can then work towards creating a sense of national belonging.Wearing the Piedmont jersey should be an honor, just like wearing the blue one. By creating a sense of belonging at a lower level, the regional one, it is also strengthened at the higher level, the national team."
