ZOCCA – Blue eyes and red cheeks from the effort, Huub Artz shows up at the press conference after the podium still showing signs of fatigue. The 2002-born Dutchman from Wanty-ReUz, who already has a two-year contract with the WorldTour team, achieved his second success of the seasonEarlier today he had raised his arms to the sky in the Gent-Wevelgem under 23In Zocca he put his signature on another important victory (opening photo by LaPresse).
«Today was the right stage for me – says Artz – I'm really happy with how it went. I'm still not sure what kind of rider I am, after yesterday's stage, I definitely don't like long climbs. I think I'm a rider for Classics or stages like these, with short climbs. Next year will be a very exciting year, I hope to have a good winter and grow in the right way.Maybe I'll be ready to win right away, or maybe I'll need some time to adjust. I've raced with the pros before, but next year will definitely be different."
Outburst of anger
48 seconds later Artz crosses the finish line Samuel Privitera. His face twisted in pain and his legs struggling to turn the pedalsHe is also one of the hungry boys born in 2005 who in this Giro Next Gen they are taking on leading roles.
«This first adventure at Giro Next Gen It didn't start in the best way – he says – after the initial time trial I had a fever and a cold. I reached the end of the stage at Pian della Mussa by a miracleI won't deny that I thought about going home. Yesterday, I was still stuck in Fosse, but I promised myself that given my condition, I had to try something. So today, in the first few kilometers, I made a sprint and got out of the groupIsidore followed me and we ran for 20 kilometers in the wind, pushing hard. The other six guys also came back and we crossed the finish line in unison."
Pride and revenge
In the most difficult moment of the season he pulled out his best performance from the hatA symptom of how much the fire of revenge burned inside him.
"I thought," he explains with renewed energy, "that it was all a mental thing. I told myself it was time to be smart and try to save some money on the flats. I didn't really shift all the gears, and when I started the final climb, I pushed myself to the max. It's a shame because I came very close to victory., the head counts more than the ability. Today it is a third place of heart. Giro Next Gen It made me grow a lot, both mentally and physically. Resisting the temptation to give up and finishing third in a stage like that made me take an important step forward».
From bike to books
Privitera, in his first year as an under 23 at Hagens Berman Jayco, has made giant strides.
«This year – concludes Privitera – I have been constantly growing from winter until now. Before coming here to the Giro I was in Alpes Isère and I rode very well, with very good numbersI just have to say thank you to the team because we never lack anything: nutritionist, chef, masseurs… Axel Merckx believes in me so much, he was the first to tell me not to give up, he is a sports director with a capital “D”. Tomorrow this adventure ends and the final exams begin, so my mind will go thereThen I'll focus on cycling, which has now become my job, although I haven't ruled out enrolling in university: Sports Sciences."
