RHO – The Giro Next Gen It begins in the grip of the heat of the province of Milan where the asphalt amplifies the perceived temperatures. A scorching furnace that closes the lungs and slows down the legs of ridersThat morning, in the parking lot of the Rho cemetery, the only space large enough to accommodate all the vehicles of the thirty-three teams at the start, one could sense the start of the most important race of the year. Smiling faces mingled with dark faces already focused on the short but intense effort of the 8,4 kilometers planned.
The buses of the I have to team up they are the same ones used by the leading WorldTour teams, this gives a sense of how much the teams of future champions pay attention to every detail. The rest is done by the riders with their uniforms and custom-designed aerodynamic suits.During the test ride, the noise of the lenticular wheels crashes against the walls of the houses in narrow, winding streets. You turn and try the curves, one of the factors that made the difference was the distance and the relaunches after each turn.To resist and to conquer the first pink jersey up for grabs is Matthias Schwarzbacher of the UAE Team Emirates Gen Z who took 9 minutes and 17 seconds to complete the test at an average speed of 54,291 kilometres per hour (opening photo La Presse).
Searing heat
He had also said it Marino Amadori when we presented the race of our Azzurri: the teams, including the continental teams, They went to high altitude to prepare for this crucial event for the destinies of each of the athletes present here.Some teams came down from the heights three weeks ago, others returned just a few days ago, without even having time to adapt to the torrid climate.
The main topic of conversation as we wander around the various tents and ropes behind which the teams are hiding is the heat. How will the kids react to the change in temperature if until a few days ago they were training at altitude in 20 degrees Celsius? There is doubt but the only viable solution is to be patient and find out in the following hoursThe first to start at 12,20 is Lorenzo Nespoli of MBH Bank-Ballan-Csb and after 9 minutes and 44 seconds of his performance he lies down on the ground trying to cool down with liters of water and ice placed on his neckThe scene will repeat itself until the last athlete crosses the finish line.
Giaimi's cramps
Every pass below the finish line coincides with mouths wide open in search of air and backs bent from fatigue. Luca Giaimi of the UAE Team Emirates Gen Z is one of those who suffered the most from the heat today and after arriving he struggles to find the energy to stay on his feet.
“It was tough,” he says, holding on to his bike despite cramps. “Unfortunately, we only came down from the hill three days ago, and today I suffered a lot from the heat. In the second part of the test I struggled to relaunch when exiting the many curves presentI'd say it was a good performance, even if it wasn't enough to get the result I wanted. I would have liked to have at least achieved a podium finish."
Finn's Smile
After the first stage the tricolour jersey dedicated to the best Italian athlete in the general classification is on the shoulders of Lorenzo FinnA first test and a step that satisfies the team's young talent Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe RookiesNot a decisive stage, but the response from his legs and physique leaves the Ligurian feeling good.
«I'm happy with my performance and that of the team – says Finn – we did well and this gives us hope. The gap from Schwarzbacher is what I would have expectedIt's not a decisive test, but it's always nice to start well. My legs worked well, I don't expect big gaps tomorrow in Cantù but we'll have to be carefulThe first natural selection will arrive at the Maniva Pass and we will have to be ready. Until then, it will be important to conserve our energy."
Schwarzbacher in pink
Mattias Schwarzbacher steps down from the awards stage wearing the pink jersey freshly printed with the team logo. Despite the long sleeves, she wears it proudly under the interview tentThe Slovakian came to Italy as a second-year junior to grow and improve. He returned to our country and achieved a success that put him among the favorites.
«I still have to come to terms with what I've done (he says while smiling, ed.). After the training camp I didn't train much so I didn't know what to expect from this testBefore the start I was quite nervous because I knew I could finish in the top ten, but I didn't believe I could win. I always like coming back to Italy and wearing the pink jersey is a fantastic feelingI'd like to keep it tomorrow too, but on Tuesday's stage, with the first uphill finish, I think it'll be tough to maintain it. We have other guys on the team ready for the general classification."
During the time Schwarzbacher raced in Italy, as a junior, he did so with the CPS Professional Team, and shared a season with Lorenzo Finn. Today the two met behind the stage at the awards ceremony, and the Slovakian had a few words for his former adventure partner.
«I'm happy for him – he concludes – he's a nice guy and I raced with him and had fun. I'm not surprised by his qualities, he has great numbers and a winning mentalityIt will be a pleasure to share these eight days with him and fight on the streets of Giro Next Gen».
