Behind the news of the new relationship that binds Hopplà Petroli e Team Corratec, there are profound changes that concern Tuscan society, which through this transition makes a decisive leap in quality in the presence of other innovations. The one who has always been the mind of the team, Claudio Lastrucci, deeply satisfied with the new steps that herald the coming season.
At the beginning of the interview, Lastrucci is keen to underline one aspect: "Many say that in this way we will become the Corratec supply chain, but it must be clear that we have not put anything in writing. It is a relationship under construction, which is being realized in practice and which, I do not deny, It represents a big step forward for us. in what is our primary objective: to raise the boys to prepare them for a professional career."
What advantages does entering into a privileged relationship with a professional team give you?
We can present young people with a clear path that, if all goes well, can lead them toward their dreams. We have always been oriented towards the progressive growth of children. The direct transition from junior to pro might be fine for Evenepoel, but it's not the norm, it's not the right choice for young players. I speak with full knowledge of the facts: we've brought 26 young players to the pro ranks, the first of which was Ulissi with Apollonio e Stores, the last Dancers, Fortunato e Albanian and now it arrives Quartucci which will pass right with Corratec.
Can the professional team recommend any players to bring into your team to help them grow?
Of course, the supply chain should work like this. We know, for example, that they are already somehow linked to the Team Franco Ballerini Among the juniors, this way the younger ones would have a pre-established path, they could approach it with the necessary calm, thinking first of all about growing and improving. An important step in building this relationship would also be the possibility of doing joint internships would be another useful experience for the younger onesThe relationship with the professional team must be based on this sort of "quid pro quo."
Is this choice also linked to your decision to no longer require a continental license?
Not directly, but the fact that we're now a team entirely dedicated to under-23s certainly benefits us. Let's be clear: the continental license does not provide the advantages that were talked about, in fact to date they are only greater expenses and restrictions on the activityThere are no benefits: to get invitations to the pro races which should be the core of the activity you have to pay all the expenses and for a team an outlay of 12 thousand euros per race is a bit too muchNot only that: the new regulations severely penalize continental teams…
Verza for example told of how he was forced to emigrate to find a more fulfilling schedule…
He is right. Today, the continental elite are excluded from the regional competitions, but not only that: only first and second year under 23s can be fielded in them.These are all restrictions that we, having left our license, do not have. In category races, we can field whoever we want among our riders, regardless of whether they are first, second, or third year, and in open races, even elite riders can participate.
Does the fact that you are no longer a continental team preclude you from doing stage races abroad?
No, on the contrary The fact that we are closely linked to Corratec can open up new channels for us, thanks to their prestige.Going abroad to some good stage races, competing against real teams, and experiencing what high-level cycling means is fundamental for the growth of young people. It's no coincidence that the last Italian to win the Under-23 Tour of Flanders was one of our riders. Savior puccino later became a pillar of Ineos.
Is there any other news regarding this new synergy?
We have bonded with the Mapei Center, in fact in recent days We took all the kids to Castellanza for tests. By the way, as soon as I posted the photos on the Facebook profile, I immediately got calls from Corratec: "I saw that rider, I told you he needed to lose some weight...". Every choice, every step is now made by mutual agreement.
Will Corratec supply you with bikes?
No, because before making the agreement with them we had already signed the contract with the Guerciotti and we are happy and convinced of this choice. Tomorrow we will see how the relationship with the professional team will develop, the contract is annual, in that case we will change. Meanwhile, however, the relationship is also in the opposite direction, as My company is among the sponsors of the new Corratec Team and I don't deny that we would love to be with them at the Giro d'Italia...
