And while his long-time collaborator Sangalli he is preparing for his debut at the Giro, Dino Salvoldi he is returning from an important trip, the one for the Peace RaceYet another chapter in a season in which there is no respite, given his double federal role as head of the category (in toto, that is between track and road as it was before) and as city manager of the men's track as a wholeKeeping up with everything isn't easy, but as he did three years ago when he was entrusted with the youth sector, the coach has set to work to settle in as much as possible.
Thus, every interview, every contact, comes at him from two sides, to gauge the situation firsthand on both sides. However, he seems to have already found the balance for the two souls to coexist. The conversation can only begin with what happened in Bohemia.
«Being a protagonist in such a prestigious competition is a wonderful sign. We won the team classification and did a double in the points classification with Magagnotti e Augustine, we climbed onto the overall podium with Capello, then a stage victory again with Magagnotti and three other podiums thanks also to Agostinacchio, I think the numbers say it allWhat they don't say is that we're also going home with some regrets, because in the main stage we tried to turn the tables and only a bit of bad luck and a few inaccuracies prevented us from doing so."
How are you getting along with the boys?
Let's say this is a continuation of the work of previous years, also because these kids are in their second year and are much more accustomed, you can see their growth even personally. We arrived at the event with fewer gatherings due to the reduced budget available, we paid dearly for the cancellation of the Eroica which would have been very useful to us, but the first international test gave us answers that even exceeded our expectations.
On the other hand, there is a lot of attention on the category after Finn's exploit at the last World Cup. Do you feel his absence now that he's moved up a category?
That was a beautiful page, but we must move on. I notice that the average level of our movement has risen a lot.In some races that three years ago showed a large selection, today I see quite large groups arriving, which means the overall level has risen, as demonstrated by the average speeds. For me, this test was very valuable, even if it's too early to draw any conclusions for the title races.
But you said this was a turning point. What now?
Now we will start to differentiate the groups, putting on one side those who are immediately competitive and on the other those first-year kids on whom to work constructively for 2026Let's also take one thing into account: traditionally, our movement is less brilliant in the first part of the year because the school variable has a much greater influence than in other countries. I think that as the season progresses, our level will improve further.
Let's get to the track, how are you managing?
My work with the under 23s started practically a month ago – Salvoldi replies – but These are already important weeks for the category because there are the European Championships to prepare forI've formed a first reference group, after all the boys from the 2004-06 years are the ones I followed in the past seasons, so the work is quite easy, we already know each other. I must say that I am particularly satisfied with their continued presence in Montichiari, of the work we're doing. It wasn't a given, considering that 90 percent of them are on international teams dealing with a busy schedule. I found them, too, to be completely available.
And what about the elite? You'll admit it's a strange season, with no major events until October...
In some ways, it could even be an advantage in this transition phase. Meanwhile, we're continuing training, and I've told the guys to focus on working when they arrive, without looking at the clock. I think we need to make a distinction right now, focusing especially on the new players. to the under 23s to find those elements that from 2027 will be fundamental to reaching the Olympic qualification and the level that we deserve.
Are you in touch with others?
Surely, we have already met and we feel, We agree that until the Tour de France, in which most of them will participate, they will be focused on the road, then we'll talk again and see who will be able to invest part of their time in this year's World Cup.
It was a bit surprising that Villa accompanied the boys to the recent meeting in Ghent. Is there any interaction with him?
He's there and he'll always be there, it happened like that last year too. He then follows the girls on the track, It's clear that he has his heart in this world and it's an additional resource that I'm happy to draw on. We are colleagues, but first and foremost friends: this rotation of roles is part of our program, and I consider it very useful.
You mentioned before that this “soft” season could be a help for you…
Yes, but let's not forget that there is no time to waste because we already know that The Olympic qualification system will be even tougher and more restrictive than in Paris and we will have to be readySo we need to raise the bar immediately, which is why this season is certainly not a rest period; the Under 23 matches will be very important.
