It is not customary for Italian junior teams to organize a training camp at altitude. It happened instead at Team Franco Ballerini, which led by Luca Scinto has chosen the Maniva Pass, The watershed between Val Trompia and Val Sabbia, for a period of intense work but also growth. The location, at 1.800 meters above sea level, guaranteed tranquility and concentration.
With the usual frankness, Scinto explains why this high-altitude training camp was a necessary step to tackle a cycling season that has been racing at a high pace since the junior category. The Tuscan team has therefore also evolved (and continues to evolve).
Luca, you took the kids on a mountain retreat. Is this your first time?
Yes, we need to make a qualitative leap in terms of organization and team, because Like it or not, the junior category is moving fast now and you have to be ready. You have to adapt. And I think Team Franco Ballerini responded well. In Italy, there are about ten teams, including ours, that are no less capable than some of the most prestigious foreign teams.
Why did you choose Passo Maniva?
Because it has good geographical characteristics, we are at about 1.900 metres and One of our sponsors, Lucchini, has a hotel there. For me, it's the ideal retreat: there's nothingJust the hotel. No distractions. Perfect for relaxing too. Fresh air and lots of nature.
Relax…
It was a tough season: we did three stage races and always raced with the same six or seven riders. Two stopped because of school. Unfortunately, in Italy, studying and racing at a high level is still very difficult. I always say that studies come first. But It would take three years for this category, it would help a lot. In the meantime I also reviewed the calendar.
In what sense?
It was logical: after Val d'Era they were tired. I basically cancelled the entire month of July.Starting with the races in Tuscany, despite our sponsors, but also national races like the Arno, the Tre Valli Varesine, and the Monte Grappa. It was only right.
A modern choice: work periods, runs, recovery…
The leap in quality also comes from this. I've decided: a month without competing. The sponsors have supported me. It's not easy to do in Italy, but we have to start.
How did the boys react instead?
They'd run morning and night, but they're happy. They're together, they're a group, they're learning to manage on their own, without parents. They're growing up, becoming men.
How do you manage the work if everyone has a trainer?
I changed my approach two years ago. When a boy arrives, he already has his trainer. Some go to Michele Bartoli, some to Pino Toni, some to Massimiliano Gentili. This year he also entered Matteo Urgu, He ran in my day and has been coaching for a couple of years. He's well-prepared and modern... He's following Cerami for now.
And the others?
PascarellaSciarra and Proietti are trained by Gentili. Until last year, I was in charge of them, but this year I decided to delegate. I stay in touch, watch training sessions, and interact with the coaches. This way I can also feel more at ease.
And how do you coordinate them during the retreat?
Everyone sets out with their own work: some have to work four hours, some have to do specific uphill work. Then they all meet up at the top and set off again. That's how the retreat works, too.
How many hours do they work per week?
About 20 hours.
How did they tackle the heights?
The first four or five days were spent acclimating, from 1.880 to 2.050 metres. From Maniva, a road starts that remains at high altitude towards the Crocedomini Pass, 12-13 kilometers long. They went back and forth. for two or three hours. It takes a lot of concentration, they were good. But it was ideal for adapting.
Then the work increased?
Yes, then they went down. And there we started with four hours, five hours, three and a half hours. They worked a lot in Z2, on strength. On the climbs, they also did interval workouts, like two minutes at threshold. Ultimately, that's what everyone does.
At what altitude did they carry out the most intense work?
Up to 800-1.000 meters. The rest, even up to 1.700 meters.
And in the afternoon?
Here comes the best part: they used to work out with water bottles! I brought lots of them, and With those they did squats and other strengthening exercises. Truly a beautiful spirit of adaptation and commitment.
What impression did the boys make on you?
They're happy. First of all, they're cool. The apartment is 20 meters from the hotel. When they arrive late, they cook, or I do. Anyway, they have some groceries that I did for them. If they come back late by bike and the hotel restaurant is closed, they make themselves pasta. It's a bit like here in San Baronto.
They talk about cycling, do they ask you questions?
They're making fun of me! When I talk about MuseumThey ask me who he was. They don't know Tafi, Richard, Sorensen. At most they know who he is. ashlarWhen I show a video, they send me to Mai Dire Gol… But they're right: today we're going faster. Everything has changed.
But they still have to eat a lot of loaves, as they say in Rome…
Absolutely. I always tell him: "I won't scold you, but I'll make you understand where you're going wrong." Because one day, If they become professionals, no one will explain things to them anymore: they will send them an email and leave them at home. Cycling is no longer as human as it was in our times. I've said it many times.
