Let's rewind the tape to the days of the European Championships in Anadia, when in team sprint a very young man Matteo Tugnolo, 19 years old, who had recently moved to the track from the more noisy world of BMX, launched the Italian trio to a historic third place.
We were there too in those first times in 2021 when the city Tommaso Lupi he began to bring his athletes to Montichiari, with a curious and honest attitude towards the boysIf anyone had wanted to try the fast disciplines of track cycling, he wouldn't have said no. And so he gave his blessing to Tugnolo himself, winner of medals at European and World Championships, as well as World Cup events. Not just anyone.
Tugnolo's astonishment
As we wrote in the summer, the first to be surprised by the amount of attention given to his name was Tugnolo himself, who was also half used to obtaining important placings.
«I was surprised by the results obtained – he said – I knew that the throwing role is perfect for me, because I can immediately unleash my power. With the technicians I immediately understood that this could be my first real commitment, while in the other specialties there is still a lot of work to be done from a technical point of viewWhen I started I was doing very high times, After three months the improvement in the 200 meters as well as in the kilometer was enormous., beyond my expectations. I want to go to Olympics and this is certainly the most viable path. I know it will take time, but theor I want to follow this dream and I am willing to make any sacrifice to make it happen."
Love at first sight
After a few months, Tugnolo also participated in the track retreat which ended on Saturday in Noto. And being part of the group of sprinters, he was also among those who worked the hardest in Sicily.
«I remain very convinced of the decision I made – he told us – and I haven't regretted it yet. In fact, I don't think I will.I don't know how it will end, but let's just hope for the best. It was love at first sight for the track, The first time there was a good feeling. Then from the second and third time I liked it a lot and I always asked my city to come backI finally went back a year later for all the various commitments I had with BMX and I chose to stay."
Between mind and body
If it is true that the great Dutch phenomenon Harry Lavreysen he was born on BMX and then separated from it due to an injury, Recruiting among the Italian riders can be a very interesting operation. The boys are explosive and grow up with the culture of the gym, so that the jobs that underpin speed are not indigestible for them, as for others who perhaps come from the street.
«There are points of contact – explains Tugnolo – in speed, strength, agility and the whole physical component. And then it's also very mental.As for preparation, the gym workouts we did with BMX were practically identical. Maybe they were a little longer than the track workouts, but that's fine."
Bikes and freedom
And the role that was attributed to him is also fine, for which he simulated one start after another, asking to be filmed in several videos to analyse the gesture, which is certainly not trivial.
«I really like the role of starter – he confirms – because taking on this responsibility excites me. Then only 250 meters of race, I only prepare for that and for now it's fine like thisBut don't think it's a simple thing. There's a lot behind it. Everyone thinks there's little behind 250 meters of racing, but instead... we work a lot, also because we file down to the thousandths. My technical skills still need to be developed, I'm still working on improving them. I have a lot of room for improvement."
What remains of old love? Apparently the door to BMX is closed, but more out of personal taste than specific interest.
«I did two or three more laps – he explains – but as soon as I went back over it, after an hour, an hour and a half I already wanted to get off, while this doesn't happen when I'm on a track bike. And not even on the street one. I can stay in it as many hours as I want. Riding a bike relaxes me a lot. and pushing on the pedals gives me a feeling of freedom."
