Fabio Aru Academy: do you remember? We talked about it almost two years ago, just when the former Sardinian professional launched this ambitious and laudable project in his homeland. This initiative was created to give cycling on the island a future, offering young people a stable structure and a comprehensive training program. Today, after this lapse of time, we see how things are going. And why it's so important to persist even where cycling isn't easy or natural, even though the terrain, paradoxically, would allow it better than elsewhere, with less traffic and an ideal climate.
We can tell you right away that growth is there and it is constant. The Aru Academy kids are going strong, not only in racing, but in their daily activities on the road, on mountain bikes, and in cross-country. This is the aspect that matters most.
So Fabio, how's the work at your Academy going?
The base is always in Villacidro. We have teams from G1 to students. We carry out our activities primarily in our local area and throughout Sardinia, although this year we did go to the mainland. In fact, we attended the National Youth Meeting in Viareggio with ten children. We are also vigorously pursuing our school project: By doing so, we have put 2.600 children in the saddle.
That?
With our technicians, the helmets Specialized and we go to schools with our bikes and let the kids try them out: we put them on the saddle and introduce them to cycling. Not only that: with the help of Zerosbatti and Imago Mundi we try to to propose the bicycle not only as a sporting or competitive means of transport, but as a healthy lifestyle and a tool for sustainable mobility. We also had meetings at the base of Red Moon in Cagliari. Many organizations were present: it was a great result, which also attracted national attention.
A real promotional activity…
Exactly. But I think we riders of the past have to do it. Also because if we want the champions of tomorrow, we have to start somewhere. I'm also thinking, for example, of Get rid of it, who posted a photo of his team in Castiglion Fiorentino some time ago, I think… We need to do something for youth activities.
Instead, Fabio, what's the state of competitive activity in Sardinia? In short: are there any races?
Finally, there are competitions for very young people, beginners and even students. The problem, if anything, is the level, because staying only in Sardinia inevitably makes it lower. This is why it's vital to go outside the region every now and then. A broader discussion is needed.
Of course, otherwise it remains a "closed circuit"...
Exactly. For those who live in Lombardy, Tuscany, Veneto... with 200-300 kilometers, or even much less, you have a huge range of possibilities and comparisons. For us, everything is more complex and expensive: we have to take a plane or a ship, book a hotel, board the vehicles and it takes a lot of time. It wouldn't be sustainable to do it all the time. However, thanks to the support of some companies, we occasionally manage to do so. More funding would be needed. We've been struggling for three years to try to pursue bigger goals.
And what are they?
Try to raise the bar. But I'd like to point out that the Fabio Aru Academy isn't just about creating champions. Our prerogative is respect for the rules and education. I prefer having good children, even before little racers who win. They need to be composed and for cycling to be a lesson in life for them.
You don't live in Sardinia: how often do you visit your Academy?
About ten times a year. I like following the kids. But I have to say that I have a great team: a team of ten people. between sports directors and collaborators who follow them in training, stay close to them and maintain our facilities.
What do you mean by structures?
Our Customers a two and a half kilometer cyclocross course, a five-kilometer cross-country MTB trail and a small track where we also do gymkhanas.
Let's go back to the races in Sardinia: how many starters are there on average?
It varies. There are races with 150 very young people and others with 60-70. We organize three or four races a year. This year, for example, We organized the regional MTB championship and at the start there were 150 kids in the various categories. It's true: a few years ago there were more, but these are the numbers.
But this isn't just a Sardinian problem, Fabio...
In Villacidro, for example, In the G1 to G6 youth races, we had 117 starters. In others, there are 40-50. And as you move up the ranks, there are even fewer of them: those who leave, those who try and then change, those who don't continue.
The real turning point for a young man who wants to compete in cycling always comes earlier. We're now in the junior years... what's your take on it?
Being a student today is certainly very different from when I was racing. I did my first specific work as a junior. Today, they start with the beginners with certain works and a few tests. It's clear that the world moves forward, but I wouldn't lay down a single rule for this watershed moment. Everyone develops at their own pace and at their own pace. I, for example, grew up after my peers: if I hadn't had the patience, I would have quit.
So is it possible to do junior high school in Sardinia?
No, it's very difficult. Let's go back to the issue of the level of competition. In that category, you need to compete with other guys on Sundays. I did it by traveling, but at the base there must be awareness on the part of the boy (and of his family, we add, ed.) of a great commitment, A predisposition for travel and sacrifice. You could even do your winter training on the island—in fact, the climate would be perfect—but then you have to travel.
