Simone Raccani we had left it during the internship with the Quick Step Alpha Vinyl, an adventure that wasn't very fortunate, given how it ended. The season finale wasn't easy, the consequences of the fall at the Return to Burgos They made their voices heard. The Venetian, born in 2001, will turn professional next year, will run among the ranks of the Eolo Kometa.
«After 14-15 days of vacation – Raccani tells us on the other end of the line – I started doing some activity again. A few walks in the mountains, mountain biking and gym, nothing special, just an adjustment."
Did you expect an offer from Quick Step?
The problem is that I only did two days of racing with them: the first two stages of the Vuelta a BurgosThen there was that damned fall. I started training again after about twenty days, but I wasn't in the right condition.
What was the initial plan with them?
They would have liked to make me run more, of course, but there was no way. After so many days of inactivity, it would not have been useful to make me run in higher level races. given the unsuitable condition.
Did the relationship end there?
No, on their part there was the desire to see me again and to let me do some more races. However, the only concrete proposal I received was to offer me another internship next year.. This however would have meant spending another year at Ointment.
Didn't you feel like waiting?
I've always had clear ideas since my first year as an under-23. I wanted to do a nice "complete" route with all three years as an under, but then once they were over the intention was to move up.
Do you consider your journey among amateurs to be complete and satisfactory?
I preferred to pass, I saw the fourth year as a bit risky, almost a waste. In the sense that the results obtained among the under 23s satisfied me and so I thought I was ready for the leap into the professionals.
And so the Eolo Kometa arrived…
Actually, they'd already contacted me at the end of last year. But I said I didn't feel like turning pro right away and would prefer to wait. During this season they have spoken often with my agent Luca Mazzanti, and when it came time to look at all the proposals I reconsidered theirs too.
What convinced you about their project?
It's a very valid project, a rider like me who turns professional has to go through a period of adaptation to the category. I will be lucky enough to take part in some important, top-tier races, but also in many "minor" stage races.I'll have plenty of experience, and I'll find myself competing on different terrains and in different countries with riders of all nationalities. It'll be a great test.
Who did you talk to?
A little bit with everyone, from Low to the members of the staffIvan showed me the headquarters, explained the project, the calendar, the retreats… What struck me most was the approach of Low towards meHe is an excellent manager, and he was also a great champion. He knows how certain dynamics work and is able to understand the riders thoroughly.
Have you already spoken to your future teammates?
Not yet, but I already know PiganzoliHe'll also be part of the professional team next year. I know other guys by sight, like Bevilacqua, who's from my area.
When will the first appointment be?
In mid-December, in Oliva, near Valencia, at the resort that has an agreement with the team.
