VALTOURNENCHE – Matteo Scalco has found consistent results in the Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta. For the climber of the Vf Group-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè three top 10 finishes were achieved in the four stages contestedThe final result is a fifth place in the general classification which echoes the ninth of the Giro Next GenIn his third season within the youth project of Bruno and Roberto Reverberi's team, it's time to take stock of his growth.
The climb
After the good performances at Giro Next Gen together with Philip Turconi The doors of the Giro della Valle d'Aosta have opened for Matteo Scalco.
«Between these two stage races – says Scalco – we went on a training camp on Pordoi to prepare ourselves as best we could. We were looking for races with a lot of climbing, because that's my terrain, where I can give my best.I'm not a very explosive rider, so I struggle a bit in bumpy races. At the beginning of the last stage I was still looking forward to the final podium with hope., unfortunately it faded by about thirty seconds but I am satisfied".
You're in your third year at VF Group-Bardiani. How do you assess your progress?
Over the course of the various seasons I have always improved, with some very noticeable steps forward. Everyone has their own moments and times to grow, not everyone wins straight away as soon as they arrive.My teammates here at Valle d'Aosta were all first-years and we talked about it often.
About what?
You can't pick up everything at once; not everyone goes from juniors to under-23 and makes a splash. It's normal, however, to have many doubts and many worries. when you're your first year in a new category.
In these seasons, have you achieved what you expected?
In some ways, yes. I had an open account with the Giro Next Gen after retiring due to a virus last yearI came back and found a good top 10. In the end, in these three years as an under 23, I think I've understood that my strong point is consistency.. On the one hand, it could also be a weakness.
In what sense?
I haven't found a day yet where I can really go fast. But in these three years I obtained a tenth place in the general at the Avenir, a ninth at the Giro Next Gen and fifth place here in Valle d'AostaIn the three major tours during 23 I collected three top 10s.
Do you think this factor of not standing out is something you need to work on?
Maybe yes, I think that with the passage of time it could come out. Once you find your level, try to set yourself a clear goal.. However, in my opinion, being consistent is a good thing, because throughout the year I never have “dark” periods.
What are the aspects you need to work on?
Explosiveness, for sure. I struggle a lot with changes in pace when climbing. This year I changed trainer passing by Artuso, who for contractual reasons can no longer follow athletes external to Red Bull-BORA, to CucinottaThe two have similar working methods and this allowed me to have continuity.
This year you are due.
Yes, the contract I signed after finishing the junior category was for three years. I'll talk to the team in the coming weeks and we'll take stock of the situation. I think I've made my way in the under 23 categoryThe results have been there, the standout ones have been missing, but the growth has arrived. I'd like to try to run consistently among the big boys.
You've already seen how it runs...
It's a nice way, maybe even more peaceful, relaxed. Among the under 23s there are many young people who want to prove themselves and there is greater tensionI think a regular running style is closer to my characteristics.
