FOSSE – It all seems simple for Jarno Widar, the young Belgian from Lotto Dstny Development who has bewitched the Giro Next Gen and his opponentsSecond victory, the first wearing the pink jersey, and what's more, in the queen stage. Widar is 18 years old, born in 2005, in November. Lean physique and jockey-like stature, the data speaks of 166 centimeters and 52 kilograms.
Last September he presented himself to the world by winning the first two stages of the Tour of Lunigiana. Time Widar He introduced himself to the general cycling public by winning as many stages at the Giro Next GenHe hasn't changed at all over the winter: same smile, same youthful face, and a voice so faint it's hard to hear.
Tamed opponents
This morning the aim of the group and its opponents was to dislodge Widar from first place. The race was held at a high pace right from the start., with the first hour of running at an average speed of almost 54 kilometres per hour. He didn't get upset, he followed the rhythm and on the last climb he let it happen.
“We rode hard on every climb,” Widar said behind the awards stage. “My teammates didn’t stay with me; they dropped away on the first climb. The only one who stayed by my side was Milan DonieWe talked, I felt fine and I asked him to keep up the pace as long as he could, he deserves a special thank you. Tudor worked on the final climb for Rondehe tried to make me jump, without success. I don't know what their tactic was, but it doesn't really matter."
Put yourself to the test
At the beginning of the season, Widar said he wanted to test himself in stage races, and so he did. The result, however, is surprising. because in addition to the two successes at Giro Next Gen the Belgian had also won the Alpes Isère Tour.
«I feel really good – he continues – maybe like I've never felt before. This is the first time I've reached the sixth day of racingPrevious stage races had ended with five. Winning today's stage gives me a great feeling and a real boost in morale. This morning the dream was to bring home the victory, and so it wasI realize that the condition is really good, seeing myself so strong in a tough stage race like the Giro Next Gen It makes me think I've found my way».
In safety
Shortly before setting out to conquer the Giro Next Gen Jarno Widar You told us that the goal would be a podium finish. Given the results you've achieved, is it possible to consider raising the bar?
«I don't know – concludes the holder of three of the four possible jerseys between a yawn and a shiver from the cold – first of all I think about bringing home this successI will have to stay safe and away from danger. I think the threats in the next few days will come from punch and not by climbers. Winning with this shirt (the squad, ed.) is special.I dreamed of it when I was little and I'm happy to have done it in my first year as an under-23."
