«We woke up at half past six – says Bardelli with tears in his eyes – It was a universal flood. And I saw these kids putting on taping like Franco did and getting ready for the Roubaix.. It makes me want to cry because I know they are trying to finish it at all costs, while here in front Martin has played the race. And it was going so fast, that to think that someone was guiding him from up there... ".
Victory at Fredheim
Stiam Fredheim won the Roubaix juniors, behind him in the photo finish Alec Segaert European time trial champion, third Hagenes world championThe fourth place is still unclear. Fifth place goes to European champion Gregoire and sixth place to Martin Svrcek, Slovakian rider of Team Franco Ballerini (opening photo). He was there from above to guide him, our friend FrancoWho ended his career here twenty years ago wearing that white T-shirt with the words "Merci Roubaix" written on it.
For the juniors, 110 kilometers of race, with 11 cobblestone sectors Water and mud. Team Ballerini rode on KTMs and Selle Italia saddles. The bikes on the podium: a bit of a break for them too
For the juniors, 110 kilometers of race, with 11 cobblestone sectors Water and mud. Team Ballerini rode on KTMs and Selle Italia saddles. The bikes on the podium: a bit of a break for them too
Bardelli cries, but thanks to the pouring rain, few people notice. The Tuscan team arrived in Roubaix at the last minute, thanks to the invitation receivedAfter the World Cup, they decided to close up shop and reschedule for 2022. Svrcek had already signed for the Deceuninck-Quick Step, the others were already at school.
«But when the invitation arrived – continues the team coach – Martin told me to come running. And I knew that if he says he's going, he's going to win.I was afraid of the cobblestones, but he moved very well. He dropped out due to a mistake, but he was with the best."
The four boys from Team Ballerini with their jerseys on the Carrefour de l'Arbre A super warm welcome for them at the team presentation The jersey is a tribute to Franco and his wife Sabrina, made by VeloPlus
The four boys from Team Ballerini with their jerseys on the Carrefour de l'Arbre A super warm welcome for them at the team presentation The jersey is a tribute to Franco and his wife Sabrina, made by VeloPlus
The Dancer in the Heart
The French have heart for champions. And when yesterday at the team presentation they saw the Team Ballerini shirts with that same writing, they adopted them. Up here, Franco was a god, as are all those who fought, lost, and then won on these stones.
«Up here Franco is Franco – says Bardelli and is still moved – and when they saw us they started taking pictures of us. I followed all his Roubaix and to be here twenty years later is a dream. For Martin it is the first year that he runs seriously, but we wanted to honor this invitation for Sabrina (Franco Ballerini's wife, ed.)Martin has his future at Deceuninck-Quick Step, the others will have it for life. I'll tell him who Ballerini is and I think Martin made this race to give something back to usWe raised him step by step and that's why too the day will end with a lump in the throatBecause with the season, our collaboration will also end. Even though we will continue to be in touch."
Work and passion
The Bardelli boys' program also included watching the arrival of the professionals, then the night at the usual hotel with the toucan in Charleroi and tomorrow morning the flight to ItalyWrite down their names. Some will become riders, others will cherish this day forever.
«It's an indescribable emotion – Bardelli repeats – I brought three second-year riders, Gianmarco Coppini, Lorenzo Iacchi and Martin Svrcek, and added Davide Buconi who has shown signs of improvement in recent races. To all of them and to anyone who wants to read this story, I offer the example of Franco Ballerini. A man who, with hard work and passion, achieved wonderful results.Then he took over from Alfredo Martini and after him he was the best coach Italy has ever had. Work and passion, enough talk. We need to do this with the juniors. My boys will never forget it."
