«We arrived in France on Tuesday after a rather long journey, nothing like the one that had brought us to Algeria at the beginning of the season." Speaking is Francesco Chicchi, sports director of the Team Technipes #InEmiliaRomagna, the continental team will remain in France from May 19th to June 1st.
«We will run the Ronde de l'Isard, which starts tomorrow (today for those reading, ed.) and the Alpes Isère Tour – continues the Tuscan – We had planned to come to France before we knew if we would be attending the Giro Next GenConfirmation arrived in recent days from RCS Sport & Events. Given the uncertainty surrounding invitations, We had decided to change our plans a bit by going to high ground in the past few weeks to be ready for these two races. The work done will have repercussions until Giro Next Gen».
Looking for answers
The slowdowns that the Giro Next Gen lived for this edition have led the teams to work differently. There are those who have maintained the same approach as in previous years by going to high altitudes right now., in search of the right condition. Other teams, such as Technipes, have opted for a different planWhile the teams only received confirmation of their participation a week ago, the route of the Giro dedicated to under-23s has yet to be revealed.
«We have come to the Ronde de l'Isard also in 2024 – says Chicchi – and it was a great race in preparation for the Giro. Building on Crescioli's fourth place in the last edition, we applied again this year and it was accepted immediately.Then it happened that we also received an invitation from the Isere Tour and so I thought it would be right to seize the opportunity. Perhaps in view of the Giro Next Gen it's a bit too much, in fact we will make some changes between one race and anotherFor example, Alessandro Cattani, who will be racing these days, then he will rest. Alunni will also miss both races. Dapporto and Scarpelli will take their place.
Cattani is being rested because he will be the reference man for the Giro Next Gen?
So on paper our first striker will be Bagnara. It's the right year to take advantage of these opportunities 100 percent given that he is in his fourth year as an under 23.Then we'll see what the road will say. Cattani was strong at the Giro d'Abruzzo, so we're protecting him too, even though he's only a second-year rider.
Should this be Bagnara's season?
This is a crucial season for him as he was already in the orbit of Polti, with which he raced as an under-23 and also had an internship experience.
Going to higher ground earlier was a consequence of the uncertainties for the Giro Next Gen?
We actually went to high altitude to be ready for these two races here in France, then the work done will also have repercussions on the Giro. Then knowing which teams might be there Giro Next Gen it becomes easier for us to perform well in the standings in these two events across the Alps. It is rumored that practically all of them could come I have to team up. If there were any Finn, Widar (last year's winner, ed.) or even the little Frenchman who did a great job Tour of the Alps (Paul Seixas, ed.) it becomes difficult to compete for the overall.
Do you already have a team idea to bring?
Bagnara for sure, but also some young people. We want to give the kids who represent our future the opportunity to test themselves alreadyEven if they won't be at 100 percent given the commitment of these two races in France
You've talked a lot about Bagnara, he's in his fourth year as an under but his first with you. How are you working?
I've seen him differently in these last few weeks compared to the beginning of the season. I think he has to find the result, the spark that can light it up.He's athletically strong, has good numbers, but he lacks mental energy. A positive result could give him that extra something we're looking for. Trust me, I talk to him often. Even during the retreat I just had, I talked to him every day and bothered him..
And what do you tell him?
That to become a professional you must not be satisfied with being ahead in the finals and then reaching the finish line. The goal is to try to win, get involved and run as a protagonistAs a leader, Bagnara thinks for half an hour before making a decision and letting the team pull away, and in the meantime the race is underway.
But how is this part taught too?
It's difficult. I talk to him about it a lot, I tell him that he needs to gain more respect during the race, he needs to have the will to say "I want to win"Yes, but it's not easy to change a kid's mentality, but one small step at a time you can do it. Bagnara arrived this year, he didn't know anyone, including me. It's not easy to trust right away, but with time we will succeed.He's a good guy, but he's strong. We also took him to races where he could run as a leader to unlock his potential.
Does this remind you a little of Crescioli?
In some ways, yes. Now the sports director Besides making the programs, he also has to be a bit of a psychologist. Even in Pontedera last Saturday he was in front and took the final sprint too far behindThen he comes back to us and says, "I made a mistake because I slept." On the one hand, it's a shame, on the other hand, this statement makes us understand that little by little those mechanisms are entering him, that mentality we're talking about.
Are you looking for another step in these races?
It would be nice to have it before the Giro Next GenBagnara will be our leader here too, and we'll try to protect him to the very end. We'll see. I have great faith in his qualities.
